THE Curiosities of Dudley AND THE Black Country. (continued 3)
Reading edition
In 1835, Dudley was doomed to have another election. A Captain Forbes offered his feeble services, and he was floated by the Reformers amid many fears and doubts, because it was fully understood that Mr. Thomas Hawkes was again to run the Tory ticket against all comers, and by the hard exertions of his friends, and the personal regard in which he was held by the townspeople, he was returned the second time M.P. for Dudley.
1. Mr. Thomas Hawkes, Tory327
2. Captain Forbes, Reformer250
——
Majority for Mr. Hawkes77
The spirit of Reform, branching out into every thing we had to deal with, awakened in this borough a lively sense of its own backwardness and commercial ease and security. The neighbouring hamlets and villages were beginning to show signs of much vitality; new coal mines were opened out; new iron works erected; branches, or arms, of our canal routes were extended, and a great impetus was given to the development of the coal and iron trades in every direction. The shops and shop windows in our then narrow Market Place began to look antediluvian, weird, and shabby; thus a spirit of rebuilding and renovation set in, and many of our old familiar shops began to change faces. The increase of gas lamps in our main streets and an improved effort made by the Town Commissioners to better our bye-ways and highways, all tended to convince the occasional visitor to Dudley that the old Dudley town had caught the flame of Reform and regeneration and was going ahead in progress and civilisation. The old Middle Row of shops and dwelling houses had long been deemed a nuisance and an encumbrance on the ground, and strenuous, and ultimately successful, efforts were made by both the inhabitants and those then high in authority to pull down and remove the same, resulting in giving Dudley the largest and most commodious Market Place in the County.
1835. May 14th. This day and night, a violent and boisterous snow storm visited this town and neighbourhood; the snow remained on the ground for some days, the thermometer standing at 30 degrees. Great damage was done to the buildings, grass lands, and gardens, and the like severe weather had not been witnessed before by the oldest inhabitants.
Died, October 1st, 1835, Rev. Luke Booker, M.A., LL.D., many years vicar of the valuable living of St. Thomas’s, the Parish Church of Dudley. Aged 73 years.
Dr. Booker came to Dudley as a young curate of great promise, and was for some time the Incumbent of St. Edmund’s Church. On the death of the Rev. Doctor Cartwright, M.A., the then vicar, his friend and patron, the good Viscount Dudley and Ward, presented Dr. Booker to the living of St. Thomas, and a long life friendship existed between him and his noble patron. Dr. Booker was a gentleman of great classical learning and erudition, and being favoured with a commanding person, his appearance both in and out of the pulpit always commanded attention and respect. He was a sound theological preacher, exercising great energy and zeal, and secured a large share of church attendants. He contributed largely as a writer to many of the leading Christian periodicals of the day; and his firm adhesion to the national principles of Church and State, made him at all times a powerful and welcome advocate on the platform. In politics the Doctor was a pronounced Tory, and at times his persistent interference in political questions did not add to his dignified position as Vicar of Dudley. He was also a poet of considerable beauty of thought and enunciation, a few remains of which are still extant; he also published an History of Dudley Castle and the genealogy of the noble owners. Among the varied remarkable acts that he did was to write a voluminous social and political Diary of the leading events of Dudley and its people in his day, which he did not live to put in print.
Dr. Booker was a great favourite amongst the weaker sex, for he embraced the privilege of leading four blushing brides to the hymeneal altar during his long and excitable life. The unhappy drawback in the Doctor’s character was the thorough hatred of Dissenters, and his unswerving abhorrence of all Reformers and Radicals, to whom he ascribed all kinds of inconceivable mischief against King, Lords and Church, by their unlawful machinations at the time of the Great Reform Agitation to obtain their political freedom. The Rev. Doctor was the main motive power in the destruction of the commodious and historic Old St. Thomas’s Church, and the erection of the present handsome Gothic Parish Church, at a cost of upwards of £20,000. Great opposition was raised by the Parishioners at this time to the demolition of their Parish Church, which was known to be quite large enough for its audience, and which might have been restored to answer all parochial purposes at a much less cost.
The laying of the foundation stone of this new church took place on October 25th, 1816, by the Bishop of Worcester, (The Right Rev. Dr. Folliott,) occasioned an immense Public Procession of School Children, Clergymen, Merchants, Shopkeepers and Inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, with the Reverend Doctor at their head, which presented such a motley group, as to become a subject of much comment and ridicule by some of the witnesses of that vainglorious ceremony.
The following amusing description of the procession by an eye-witness, who happened to be on a visit to Dudley at the time, will repay a perusal.
THE PROCESSION AND THE BELLS, OR THE RIVAL POETS, Inscribed to the INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.
THE PROCESSION.
“The morning came, nor find I that the sun, As he on other great events hath done, Put on a brighter robe than that he wore To go his journey in the day before.” Churchill.
Thursday was fine beyond expression, And augur’d well for the Procession: At eventide, the sun’s last ray “Gave promise of a golden day.” The D—ct—r went to bed at ten, Lay for an hour, then rose again: With half clos’d eyes he kept awake, Anxious to see the morning break. His best black brigs, and eke his shoes, His long-tail’d coat and silken hose; His buckles bright, and broad-brimm’d hat, His finest shirt, and best cravat. He’d told the servant to prepare, And all were plac’d upon the chair. The thought of what’s at hand forbids, Sound sleep to light upon his lids. Three times he rose, with anxious eye, The beams of morning to descry— Three times he rose,—but all in vain;— Three times he went to bed again. At length, according to report, He slept, and dreamt he was at court, Sceptres and mitres seem’d to rise Before the D—ct—r’s wond’ring eyes: Orders of knighthood, stars, blue ribbons, Were plenteous as the notes of Gibbons.[2] And sooth, he wish’d that he possess’d A mitre finer than the rest: But, as he reach’d to catch the prize, He snor’d aloud and op’d his eyes. “At length he from his bed arose,— Thrice did he spit, thrice wiped his nose; Thrice strove to smile, thrice strove to frown, And thrice look’d up, and thrice look’d down;” And then forthwith his speech he wrote,— His breakfast hurried down his throat; With eager haste stalk’d through the street, The B——p’s Reverence to meet; And anxious still to see his Grace, Chided the coachman’s tardy pace, Whose stupid, senseless, dull delay, Might spoil the pleasures of the day. But now, behold, the prelate comes! “Sound, sound the trumpets, beat the drums!” From street to street the blast makes way; All hear the summons, and obey. Hundreds on hundreds flock to meet him, With open mouths, as if they’d eat him. “A B——p! aye! that ne’er can be A human thing like you or me,” Says one: “No, no,” replies a second, “A B——p’s more than human reckon’d; He consecrates, Sir, he ordains, Gives orders, if he gives not brains: He keeps beneath his watchful eye The clerical fraternity; Reads them a pious charge, and sees They don’t neglect——their surplice fees. Sometimes he lays his oily hand Upon the crowds that round him stand; Who, though they feel the unction come, From ’twixt his finger and his thumb, Will never in this world of sin, Take all its blessed influence in; Will never know the good that’s done, Until their mortal race is run!” Pardon, my friends, this short digression;[3] We hasten now to the Procession. All points of etiquette discuss’d, And gravely fix’d,—a task which must Require no little time and pains, And rack the reverend vicar’s brains,— All points of moment now decided, The parties class’d, the ranks divided, From Bl—w—tt’s to the Church they go, Arrang’d in many a martial row; Each, you may naturally suppose, Adorn’d in his best Sunday clothes. Muslin cravats, as white as milk; Nay even stockings made of silk; Capes, black, brown, blue, green, red and grey, Cut out in the most stylish way: And “Day and Martin,”—wond’rous sight! Sent from each foot a blaze of light! Ribbons and medals,—what profusion! Beggars and bankers,—what confusion! Vicars and curates, cobblers, tinkers, Socinians, Churchmen, and Free-thinkers. Carpenters, bellows’-menders, nailors; Glaziers and maltsters; grocers, tailors; And truant from their desks and shops, Spruce journeyman and ’prentice fops; Tatterdemalions, long and short, Big, little, some of every sort. Poor children first,—a woeful sight!— March’d on in pitiable plight, Though ill provided to sustain The howling wind and pelting rain.[4] Huddled together, see, they go; Collected but to make a show;— Their warmest, neatest, only dress, A rag to hide their nakedness! “Billy the tailor, a brisk fellow,” Came next, beneath a huge umbrella; Sharp as a needle, blithe and gay; He led the band and shew’d the way. No Churchman; but, ’twas best to go; ’Twould get him many a job you know[5]— Then came his troop, big, strapping men, Who made the streets resound again. Serpents and clarionets they blew Bassoons and flutes, and hautboys too; And humouring the D—ct—r’s whim, Tried to perform “the German Hymn.” But stay,—who’s next?—Some farmer’s wife? O no! the B——p, on my life, In lawn up to his very chin,— Emblem of purity within![6]— Now order ceases first who can, The D—ct—r or his servant man. But chief our Reverend Pastor see, Rigg’d as aforesaid cap-a-pie: Yes, burning with the sacred flame, Among the foremost B—k—r came; By Nature form’d to make a show Above all those who are below: For, to the wonder of the people, He look’d just like a moving steeple. Bombastes all his pomp display’d, In this august processionade, With such a sanctimonious air, With such a face of solemn care. As might import him to contain A world of——room within his brain. His hollow jaws indeed bespeak How deeply read he is in Greek; His hanging eyebrows also tell He construes Latin full as well: For, though he never was at college, Who doubts he has these stores of knowledge[7] Much more my Muse could tell in rhyme, The will she has but not the time. Suffice it then,——he stalks along A giant in the motley throng; With all that empty consequence Which fools adopt instead of sense; And, as he stalks, he seems to say, “For all the labours of this day, A something whispers I shall not In Church preferment be forgot.[8] I’ll hasten down to H—ml—y Hall, And on my noble patron call: From my poetic pan shall rise,[9] Again to blind my Lady’s eyes, Thick clouds of incense, till she see All that is excellent in me! Who knows, but, mighty and ador’d, I may become Right Reverend Lord;[10] And spite of all his vast pretences, My rival great Wigorniensis? A mitre,—yea, perhaps the best, May crown my toil and make me blest. If I can get a mitre—now I care not where I go or how. I’ll hug this hope of future joys, And heed nor rain, nor mire, nor noise.”— These words he had no sooner said Than thrice he shook his sapient head, And thrice determined to pursue The pious end he had in view. Next to his giantship, the D—ct—r, With humbler step, came hobbling Pr—ct—r, He hobbled,[11] but his will was good; Could he go better than he could? He raised his legs with mighty pain, And then,—he set them down again. ’Tis whisper’d—but my cautious muse Will not forget her P’s. and Q’s.: I’ll not indulge in retrospections, But leave him to his own reflections: The darling babe of grace I’ll spare; For other holy souls were there. Mark, then, the next, another priest, Starv’d a whole month for this day’s feast; A little fellow, black his gear; Sharp as the blast which blew him here.[12] His fine-spun coat, as good as new, His trowsers—wide enough for two. His cheek-bones and his jaws declare Oat-cake has been his daily fare. The hat he bought for ordination, New-brushed, he sports on this occasion. His dress though threadbare, now ’tis wet, Looks fresh, and good, and black as jet.[13] Now, helter-skelter, all rush on, Stiff Ned, long Dick, and gaping John, Isaac and Tom, as all admit, Two gentlemen of equal wit, Of equal polish, equal grace: The same in modesty of face. I know the town will give it credit, Or else my Muse would not have said it; For all confess that either brother Is just as wise and great as t’other: Each so demure, so meek, so mild, As gentle as a new-born child. These pious patriots were drest Each with a token on his breast,[14] Of copper wrought, and brighter far, Than Venus or the Morning Star, A female figure took the place Britannia would, in other case; Whilst, by her side, in small, portray’d A cask of Dudley nails was laid; Containing, we may well suppose, Sparrow-bill, Ten-penny and Rose; Clasp, Flat-points, Flemish-Tack and Clout, Of strictly honest tale no doubt: For as my muse can only guess, She won’t presume to call them less. Enough:—the curious if they please May find a nobler pair than these. Now, Tom, an Unitarian true,[15] And strange to say, a Churchman too, Like Janus with a double face, Among our heroes found a place. ’Twas plain enough how pleas’d the elf Was with that paltry thing, himself; Proud of his intellect and clothes, He felt himself the first of beaux.[16] And, pretty creature, strutted more Than ever peacock did before. The ladies very loath to miss[17] An opportunity like this, Stretched forth their necks to catch a sight Of one so spruce and so polite. “There goes the charming man,” they cry; And then they laugh, I know not why! And then, all wonder and amaze, At him and at each other gaze. The thing’s confirm’d beyond a doubt, Although the cause is not found out,— The modest ninny thinks his worth Has not his parallel on earth; And justly: for, without a crime, I can’t describe it e’en in rhyme: So nobly bred, so nobly taught, In speech as lib’ral as in thought: News he can tell, untold before, All that he knows, and ten times more: And yet, upon his magpie tongue Truth, sense, and wit alike are hung: His honor——I recall the word, Of that my muse has never heard; Of facts alone I fain would sing, A joke’s a very serious thing! A man may see with half an eye What treasures in his head-piece lie: Why then, dear Sir, such wond’rous pains To shew the world your lack of brains? Then little Dick, and waddling Tim, And bawling Joe, and long-legg’d Jem; And hundreds more in couples came, The which my muse disdains to name: I’m certain none of Hogarth’s sketches E’er formed a set of stranger wretches. Among the rest see Doctor Slop,[18] An emblem of a physic shop: So sour, so nauseous, so splenetic, A bolus, blister, or emetic; Decoction, julep, pill and drop Are typified in Doctor Slop. His bones with flesh how poorly clad! How like a map his visage sad![19] Lavater would at once declare, The “City of the Plague” was there: And e’en a less discerning eye The “Lake of Brimstone” might descry, Where all those naughty rebels pop, Who don’t agree with Doctor Slop. If sick,—engage him,—give him time, He’ll send you to another clime; For change of air is understood By sons of physic to be good. But, oh! my pulse is stopp’d; enough Of Doctors and of Doctors’ stuff:[20] Though half his worth is yet unsung, My muse would rather hold her tongue. Last came the scarlet troop, as gay As new-scrap’d carrots for the day: C—w—ll, and all his comrades too: Hibernian H—gh—s, and Dicky Dr—we: Great captains in the fighting trade, Who serv’d their time upon parade.[21] But of such Gentlemen no more: I bless my stars I see the shore! At length, attain’d the sacred spot, Where, side by side, their fathers rot, Half rising from their tombs to see What alter’d things their children be; The massy portal open flies, And each to gain admission tries:— But watchful sentries guard the door, T’admit the great, and drive the poor; For treason ’twere, and deadly sin, To let the herd of vulgar in. No matter how they enter: each Is thrust against his neighbour’s breech. One loses half his coat, and one Feels that his hat or shoe is gone. Another wild with fury, hoots, “Stop, scoundrel, stop,—I’ve lost my boots.” Another fall’n, for mercy cries, And prays to heav’n they’ll let him rise, But, ah! for naught their lungs they strain: They cry, “Hayloo!” and “stop,”—in vain; The crowd more anxious, forward press To catch a glimpse of holiness; And see what ne’er before was known, A Reverend Mason lay a stone, In solemn silence see him stand, The silver trowel in his hand; The ponderous mass at his desire, Descends into the yielding mire; And many a cracking human bone, Confess’d it was a mighty stone, At length, the task perform’d, His Grace Made his best bow, and left the place; And, anxious only to be gone, Stepp’d in his coach, and cried,—“Drive on.”— The boy then smacks his whip, and lo! The B——p’s horses scampering go: The party gaze with wild dismay To see the chariot roll away! Now, as their breasts with anger burn, Behold the muddy group return; And, as they pace along the street, Resolve each joint themselves to eat,—[22] Their bellies, judging from their faces, As empty as some other places. At Bl—w—tt’s many a dainty dish Of beef and mutton, game and fish, Arrang’d upon the table stood; For Dudley’s sons know what is good. But soon each dainty dish was clear’d, And only fleshless bones appear’d, Each vied with each,[23] and seemed to say, “I’ll have my belly full to-day.” The dinner o’er each takes his glass, And tries his neighbour to surpass:— “For, where’s the use of wine,” say they, “Except to banish care away?”— Forgive my Muse,—her task is o’er; She recollects but little more, She saw the polish’d table shine, With blushing fruit and sparkling wine; She heard the lofty ceiling ring With three times three, “God save the King.” She look’d again,—one sleeping snor’d, And one was sunk beneath the board; And one, as well as he was able, Was speechifying on the table, A moment pass’d,—again she gaz’d, And saw each arm in contest rais’d[24] The glass in fragments strew’d the floor:— She hung her head, and saw—no more. Qui capit, ille facit.
IMPROMPTU,
By Dr. Booker, on Reading the above.
A certain junto, sore dismay’d Our Christian Church to think on; Look’d on her strong foundation laid, As the Devil look’d o’er Lincoln. A twig from a rod in pickle.
IMPROMPTU,
On Reading the Doctor’s Impromptu.
A junto, Doctor? No, ’tis one Who makes,—though hundreds share—the fun; He heeds you not. Your “rod” provide: ’Twill serve to sting your own b-cks-de. Yourself shall be “dismay’d” and “sore,” As from your breech descends the gore; And, as I flog with stroke uncivil, I shall be “Lincoln,” you the “Devil.” Again, Sir!—you know where to place it,— I say “Qui capit, ille facit.”
ANOTHER.
The Doctor raves, and storms, and vows, And looks as wretched as his cows![25] With straining pericranium tries To write impromptus and replies; But, like his cows and ass profound, His region is the burial ground, Be calm, dear Doctor! Stay your pen! The poet, perhaps may write again! He knows you;[26] every word betrays it; But still, “Qui capit, ille facit.”
VERSES
INTENDED TO BE CAST UPON THE BELLS OF THIS NEW CHURCH AT DUDLEY;
Written by a certain learned Doctor, November, 1817.
The Maiden’s Bell. Many a maiden fair gave me, Whose wedding peal I ring with glee: May they in all their future lives, Be happy mothers, happy wives.[27] The Matron’s Bell. Many a matron, grave and good, Or wedded, or in widowhood, Bade me the time of holy pray’r To many a list’ning flock declare. The Glassman’s Bell. Many a gen’rous man of glass Bade me in sound all bells surpass; Bright as their ware be all their days, And bright through time be Dudley’s praise. The Mineman’s Bell. Many a truly gen’rous soul, Men of iron, men of coal, Men of metal bade me sound Sweetly to all the hills around. The Vicar’s Bell. For me the vicar preach’d aloud To many a kind and godly crowd, Who, with a heart devout and willing, Gave their bright guinea and their shilling. The Bishop’s Bell. I, the gift of mitred sage, Sound his praise to many an age: Reverend name! of ancient line; And long on me may Folliot shine. The Patron’s Bell. Me did the manor’s Lord bestow, Who loves to lighten human woe: To doomsday may the name descend, Of Dudley’s and the poor man’s friend. The Regent’s Bell. A princely gift! a prince gave me, The prince of princeliest land and sea— England! His name I nobly ring, And bid thee cry, “God save the King.”
EPIGRAM.
Premising that DIVINE POETA! is to be literally rendered POETIC DIVINE, we address Dr. Booker in the words of Virgil,—
“Tale tuum nobis carmin, divine poeta! Quale sopor—”
See Rev. of Dr. Booker’s Calista, Ann. Rev. 1803, p. 564.
It has been said, we know, there but appears One Epic Poet in a thousand years: But B—k—r lives to prove the thing untrue; And to demonstrate that there may be two. Th’ immortal Milton still the first is reckon’d; The thrice immortal B—k—r is the second; And Dudley’s bells eternally shall toll In matchless notes for his poetic soul. To future ages shall his name be given,— “The saint-like priest who shew’d the way to heav’n,” Yes! children’s children as they drink their liquor, And pay Church levies still—shall bless the Vicar. Qui capit, ille facit. Nov. 26, 1817.
THE LEARNED DOCTOR’S REJOINDER.
“N.B.—Though dated Nov. 26, the preceding precious farrago, with characteristic piety, was sent on Sunday, the 7th of December, no doubt with a charitable hope that it would make the Vicar’s mind, on that day, very composed and comfortable. Its authors will be sorry to know that the effect they hoped for was not produced. The delectable performance did not excite a single thought till the next morning, when the following notice was taken of it, certainly more than it deserves.”[28]
AN OLD ROD NEW TWIGGED.
“Stripes for the back of fools.”—Prov.
A few weak infidels dismay’d Our Christian Church to think on, Look on her strong foundations laid, “As the Devil look’d o’er Lincoln.” But though they look as black as he, And gall for ink he sends them, In which to write their ribaldry, And inspiration lends them: The church her glory shall display, Defended from each evil, In spite of all such fools can say Or their sage friend the D——l.[29] Yea, she shall have her merry peal, To fill their hearts with sadness; While Christians, at such music, feel An honest English gladness. Nay, she shall have a lofty spire With weathercock surmounted, That they may, if ’tis their desire, See what they are accounted. Puff’d here, puff’d there, puff’d every where, Save in a right direction, Or now the culprits would not share A whipping post correction. Will ye be good, ye scurvy rogues, Ere more your hides I tickle? Well then—put up your dirty brogues; Rod! sleep again in pickle. No snake[30] in the grass.
LINES
IN REPLY TO SOME VERSES SIGNED “NO SNAKE IN THE GRASS.”
He would an elegy compose On maggots squeezed out of his nose; In lyric numbers write an ode on, His mistress eating a black pudden; And when imprisoned air escaped her, It puffed him with poetic rapture. A carman’s horse could not pass by, But stood tied up to poesy: No porter’s burthen passed along But served for burthen to his song.—Hudibrass.
Qui capit, ille facit.
Repress your fury, sage Divine! Perdition breathes in every line. Dagger and staff in hand you fight, Like Falstaff, Shakespeare’s valiant knight, How like him though in form and dress I leave your Reverence to guess:— How far like his your maxims too Of honour, Sir, I leave to you. You would attempt in canting strain. My short effusion to explain; And wielding your tremendous birch, To say I stigmatize the Church. That, Sir, in toto, I deny:— In your own style, Sir, ’tis a lie. The Church I honour:—I admire The holy roof, the lofty spire, The pealing song, the hope sincere, The pray’r of virtue I revere, The Church, with an affection true, I love,—[31]I stigmatize but you. Yes! give the Church a lofty spire, Like your tall self, Sir, I desire: And like your ci-devant chapeau, Give it a weathercock also:— But make it fast, dear Sir, because It may be lost as Gilpin’s was[32] “In judgment,”—(’tis an ancient line,) “Remember mercy,”—O Divine! And, when your enemy lies low, Desist,—strike not another blow. But, since you deign to wield your pen, Achilles-like, and fight again:— But since you deign, O sage divine! Again to court the tuneful Nine; And since, in acrimonious style, You dare my verses to revile, And raise a laugh at my expense, Dear Doctor! take the consequence. “Brave knights are bound to feel no blows From paltry and unequal foes.” The pages of all history shine With poets, heathen and divine; Whose numbers are so highly priz’d, Their memories are immortaliz’d. The first, whose poems still are saved, Was he who wrote the Psalms, King David. Homer and Virgil, and a score Of Greek and Latin poets more, Have sung in such melodious measure, That verses still are read with pleasure. The moderns too have sung their share, Voltaire, Racine, and Molière; And many on Italia’s shore; In Germany a thousand more. In Britain, too, are poets found, For Britain is poetic ground, Milton and Shakespeare are her pride, And Pope and hundreds more beside. E’en now we’ve Southeys, Scots and Byrons, And Moore, whose songs are sweet as syrens’! Another poet, too, have we; The Great L-ke B—k—r, LL. D.!!! When all the rest shall be forgotten; Their poems, like their bodies, rotten; When spills are made of leaves of Pope, And Lalla Rookh shall wrap up soap; When even David’s sacred rhyme Shall be destroyed by ruthless time; Thy name, O! B—k—r! still shall be Lauded to all eternity! Yes! Dudley’s Vicar shall survive, And like a plant perennial thrive! What melody pervades each line! How rich, harmonious and divine! Read where you will, you’re sure to find Some scintillation of his mind: The finest style, the sweetest words The Doctor’s mother tongue affords! Already, in reality, He’s purchas’d immortality. With sermons pious, heavenly, holy, He drives the heart to melancholy: With magic powers he charms the soul, And bids it into madness roll: With charity dilates the breast, And sinks each sordid view to rest. Or, on a sudden can inspire The soul with never-quenching fire: In short, the mind with joy can fill, Or with despair,—just which he will. But more,—his pow’r o’er human woes Not only shines in nervous prose; In strains delightful and sublime, He speaks in prose, and writes in rhyme; “And when he writes in rhyme will make The one verse for the other’s sake. The one for sense, and one for rhyme, He thinks sufficient at a time.” Yet though his rhymes may be baptiz’d, Nothing but prosing poetiz’d, There’s still some difference between ’em, Which all can tell who’ve ever seen ’em. For prose he gets with conscience clear, Full twice five hundred pounds a year; Yet should his rhymes a folio fill, They’d never pay his printer’s bill; But on his shelf in peace recline, And, but to light his candles, shine.
Claudite jam rivos, pueri: sat prata biberunt. Vir.
To “No snake in the grass,” on his not replying to the lines lately address’d to him.
Contremuit remus. Vir. Lib.
The pallid scurvy rogue yet tingling stands, And holds his breeches close with both his hands. Pope.
The Doctor trembling and dismay’d, To write another word afraid: In vain implores, with language civil, The aid of “Lincoln” and the “Devil.” He hides, from stroke of “scurvy rogues,” His seat of honour with his “brogues:” The “tuneful nine,” to see him lash’d, Hung down their heads and fled abash’d. “Je suis ce que je suis.”
LINES BY * * * * * * *
Qui Capit, ever discontented, Envious, jealous, disaffected: To stigmatise our Vicar’s toils, The stigma on himself recoils. Who is he satirical and vain? His unjust impudence of what avail? Qui Capit, know, that God, all just, Ne’er means his creatures to be curs’d. You honour the Church, Qui Capit,—no! Who can believe it?—’tis not so!— “Virtuo consistit in actione.” Sir, henceforth, learn to mend your manners, And ne’er insult your betters. Junius.
REPLY TO JUNIUS.
“Strange such a difference should be, ’Twixt tweedle dum and tweedle dee.”
“Junius” to rhyme pray bid adieu, Nor shame the dunghill where you grew, Hear what a friend of “Qui” advises, Stick to your “Latin Exercises,” The muse thy folly will disown, Pray “tarry till thy beard be grown.”
ON THE D—CT—R’S SILENCE.
Old Argus of an hundred eyes could boast, An hundred fluent tongues had B—k—r’s head, But Argus all his eyes by music lost, At dogger’ll rhyme all B—k—r’s tongues have fled.
1835. November. The Rev. W. H. Cartwright, M.A., a grandson of the late Doctor Cartwright, a former vicar of Dudley, was nominated to the valuable living of the parish church, as the successor to the late Dr. Booker. Mr. Cartwright held the living for ten years, and then suddenly exchanged livings with the Rev. James Caulfield Browne, M.A., Rector of Compton Marten, in Somersetshire. Doctor J. C. Browne, held the living for 25 years, and died universally revered and respected, March 11th, 1870. Aged 65 years.
1835. December 16th, died, the Rev. William Humbel Baron Ward, of Birmingham. Aged 54 years. This nobleman was the father of the present Earl of Dudley; but only enjoyed the title and estates a very short time.
Another Borough election in 1837 again set the town alive, and as the great spirit of Reform had received innumerable checks throughout the country; Dudley participated in a modified Reforming declension, and again was unsuccessful in returning a Reformer. A Mr. Merryweather Turner was the Reform candidate brought against the old member, Mr. Hawkes, with the following result:
1.—Mr. Thomas HawkesTory, 385
2.—Mr. Merryweather TurnerReformer, 289
——
Majority for Mr. Thomas Hawkes96
1838. The Rev. John Davies, M.A., was appointed the incumbent of St. Edmund’s Church. This highly esteemed, hard-working, and truly Christian pastor, held this living for the long period of Thirty-one years, and died April 21st, 1869, universally esteemed and regretted, aged 65 years.
BAPTIST CHAPEL.
1839. This substantial brick building was erected in 1777, and considerably enlarged in 1839, at a cost of £700; in 1880, further improvements and alterations were made, adding much to the comfort and convenience of the congregation. The Rev. William Rogers, a true specimen of a Welshman, was the zealous minister of this Chapel for many years. There is also a good Sunday School in vigorous operation held in the vestry room. The Baptist connexion have also another Chapel situate at Cinder Bank, Netherton, which is said to be of considerable antiquity. The Rev Geo. M. Michael, B.A., is the present minister.
On the following page will be seen the way in which Holy Mother Church was supported in Dudley in these days of civil and religious liberty!!!
CHURCH RATES!
SEIZURES IN DUDLEY DURING THE YEAR 1837.
Names of the Persons seized upon.Religious Profession.Trade.Goods seized.Value of Goods seized.Amount of Rate.
£ s. d.£ s. d.
Brown, JamesQuakerConfectioner2 barrels grapes2 10 00 12 1
Beasley, ThomasBaptistSchoolmaster2 desks4 10 00 2 1
Bridgwater, JosephQuakerMaltsterMalt4 6 02 11 0
Cooke, SamuelIndependentDraper3 pair blankets2 5 00 17 11
Hill, ThomasDittoShoe-seller10 pair shoes3 10 00 9 7
Houston, WilliamDittoPawnbroker1 watch2 10 00 10 10
Lay, Benjamin, and SonsQuakerGrocersCheese3 15 01 12 6
Pitchfork, JosephUnitarianSchoolmaster2 tables2 2 00 3 6
Rogers, RichardIndependentClockmaker1 clock5 0 00 9 7
Wood, EdwardDittoPawnbroker1 watch3 0 00 14 7
Wood, W CUnitarianGrocerLoaves of Sugar8 6 63 5 0
Williams, John, and BrothersQuakerMillers2 pockets hops11 11 04 14 2
Williams, JohnDittoMillerBarometer3 10 01 10 2
56 15 617 13 0
ONE THOUSAND POUNDS REWARD.
Whereas, some ill-looking Persons did, on the 21st of September, 1837, enter the Premises of W. C. WOOD, Grocer, Dudley, and in his absence did wilfully abstract
FIVE LUMPS OF SUGAR,
value £8, the honestly-acquired property of the said W. C. Wood; and, whereas, the said ill-looking Persons left behind them a piece of paper, on which was written that they were under the command of one Person called “Captain,” and of another called “Baker;” and by which it further appears that the property thus taken was to defray the expenses of some kind of a Religion, to which these persons are said to be attached.
THIS IS TO GIVE NOTICE,
that if any Person brings the said parties to Justice, and prosecutes them, so as to satisfy the demands of COMMON HONESTY, he shall receive the above Reward.
The “Captain” stands about 5 feet 6 inches high; of a light complexion.—He has a mark on his left ear, occasioned by a wound received in one of his professional encounters.
The “Baker” is about 5 feet nothing, and a square built, Sancho-Panza kind of a Person; and rivals Punch in his admiration of the Law of the land, and Dogberry in his extensive acquaintance with it.
The Property, it is believed, is now deposited at the Albion Inn, Stone Street, Dudley, where, it is expected to be sold, on Tuesday or Wednesday next, to maintain the aforesaid queer Religion; and W. C. WOOD requests the attendance of his Friends on the occasion, to prevent the Property being sold below its value.
N.B.—It is ascertained that the “Captain’s” party visited, on the same day, the Premises of Mr. S. COOKE, and Mr. E. WOOD, from whence they succeeded in carrying off other Articles, for the same pious purpose; to wit, several pairs of
BLANKETS, AND A WATCH.
1840. At this time the town and neighbourhood was upon the balance of either increased depression and adversity, or improved development of the iron and coal trade. In 1836 Mr. Edward Smith built and started at Hartshill a new branch of the iron trade—viz., manufacturing iron hurdles and fencing of a very improved and superior style, strength, and appropriateness; more especially for our colonial possessions, where thousands of miles of iron and wire fencing have been exported by this eminent firm (Messrs. Hill, Smith, & Co., the Hartshill Works, near Dudley). The Woodside Iron Works were built in 1841 by Messrs. Bramah and Cochrane; but have been considerably enlarged at various times, and employ upwards of 1,000 hands when in full work. The extraordinary engineering and mining ability thrown into this very important iron work by the late esteemed A. B. Cochrane, Esq., J.P., soon placed this firm at the head of that species of iron manufactory for which it is now so world-known. We shall not soon forget that well-earned proud position which the late Mr. Cochrane secured when he exhibited to Lord Overstone and others of the Crystal Palace Exhibition Commissioners, in 1850, a large section of that future exhibition in Hyde Park, London, which brought all nations, kindreds, and tongues to witness the Great World’s Fair. The construction of the iron work of the Crystal Palace of 1851 at the Woodside Works was a marvel of engineering skill and accomplishment, and clearly demonstrated to the world the power and ingenuity which the Woodside Works possessed to make and erect anything in the substance and form of iron.
In 1853 Mr. Cochrane became possessed of these important works by the retirement of Mr. Bramah, and from that date to the period of his untimely death in June, 1863, this establishment secured and maintained almost unparalleled advancement and commercial success. Mr. Cochrane was only 50 years of age at his death, but his natural benevolence and philanthropic leanings stopped not at the usual benevolence which belongs to the large employers of labour in our locality, for his open handed charity induced him, in 1860, to build and maintain at his own cost, the handsome Holly Hall Schools, for the education of the children of his own workmen, and all who felt inclined to be benefitted by its establishment. In 1863 the Vicar of Dudley, the late Dr. Browne, commenced a series of Religious Services, which were conducted by the Rev. Robert Harper, M.A., of the Dudley Grammar School, but were discontinued at the end of eight months. However, on Good Friday, 1865, the Executors of the late Mr. A. B. Cochrane recommenced the Services with much success, under the spiritual guidance and care of the Rev. John Birch, M.A., and eventually the Schools and all their belongings were purchased by the Earl of Dudley, whose open-hearted liberality has so often been extended over almost every object of worth and public utility in Dudley and its neighbourhood. The noble Earl very handsomely provides the funds for the clergyman’s stipend, the Rev. Mr. Swindell, M.A., and, at the same time, pays the expenses of the school management, and discharges all its pecuniary liabilities. An effort is now being made to build a Church at Hartshill to accommodate that vastly increasing population.
In 1847, the late Mr. William Jeffries erected some extensive Iron Works at Hartshill (near Messrs. Cochranes’ Works), which are now known as Messrs Hingley and Smith’s Iron Works, and have been very much enlarged in late years. On June 2nd, 1848, an appalling accident took place at these Iron Works, by the sudden explosion of a large iron boiler, which dealt death and destruction all around; for it is melancholy to relate that 40 men and boys were blown to atoms, in almost an instant, and the destruction to the machinery and works was most serious to the owners.
Another famous Iron Master in the Black Country, about this period (the late Samuel H. Blackwell, Esq., J.P.), contributed by his indomitable activity and knowledge to a large amount of improvement and development in the Iron and Coal trade. The Old Russell’s Hall Furnaces sprung into being and activity under his management, and Bilston also benefitted by his energy and manufacturing operations in that quarter. Mr. Blackwell was a learned Geologist, and took great interest in trying to prove many of the then undissolved problems in Geology and Iron making. This gentleman had the distinguished honour conferred upon him of being strenuously solicited to become one of the Members in Parliament for South Staffordshire, but this distinction he declined, alleging that his immense manufacturing engagements precluded such a possibility. Many of Mr. Blackwell’s speculations turned out unfortunate, and when an adverse turn took place in the Iron trade, he was compelled to suspend his numerous operations, and died (March 25, 1868) at the comparatively early age of 52 years.
The appointment of the late Richard Smith, Esq., J.P., as Mining Agent and Manager for Lord Ward’s extensive estates about this time, augured well for an increase of prosperity in this large mining district. Mr. Smith’s undoubted energy and ability, and his thorough knowledge of all things belonging to mining operations, ensured every confidence in those who understand these matters, that the “right man was in the right place.” The feebleness and almost inaction of his predecessor was soon dissipated, and although Mr. Smith had his detractors and opponents in opinion in many important operations that he was concerned in, nevertheless it cannot now be fairly gainsayed that he was most assuredly the leading spirit and pioneer of that vast amount of mining development which characterized the Iron and Coal trades in these parts during the time he was at the head of Lord Dudley’s affairs. Mr. Smith’s judgment and far-seeing policy laid the foundation of much that has since then been accomplished, and the town of Dudley and the whole district have been substantially and commercially benefitted thereby. Let any unprejudiced mind make a survey of the increased villages and hamlets which have arisen around us during the last 30 years, and he will not fail to note that Pits, Iron Works, Chain and Nail Manufactories have sprung up where farm houses and green fields once existed in peaceful seclusion. The laying down of upwards of 20 miles of mineral railroads on his Lordship’s estate to facilitate his vast working operations, the erection of the Round Oak Furnaces and Iron Works in 1855, and the additional New Works built in 1863, all combined to assist in that grand scheme of scientific development, which had its birth in the fertile brain of the late Richard Smith, and which gave ready employment to thousands of our hardy sons of toil, increasing our local trades and population, and adding materially to our progress and wealth.
We have another “honoured worthy” Iron Master to record in our history, that modern Dud Dudley of our district, the lately lamented Noah Hingley, Esq., J.P. The man who introduces a new industry into a district is a real benefactor to his fellow man; and the splendid Anchor, Chain and Cable Works, now in full operation at Primrose Hill, Netherton, proclaim the wisdom and ability which the late Mr. Hingley put in practical force, under many almost overwhelming difficulties, when he introduced that particular kind of iron manufacture into our midst. Assisted by his equally energetic sons, this renowned firm (Messrs. Noah Hingley and Sons), possess also the newly constructed blast furnaces at Old Hill, besides other works of importance, constructing much of the minor materials for their large works. The death of this good old gentleman, in 1877, drew the tears of sincere regret from thousands of the working classes of this neighbourhood; and the public funeral, which was accorded to his remains, witnessed one of the largest gatherings of respectably dressed, sorrowful men, women, and children, that ever assembled on any occasion to pay their last mark of regard to real departed worth. The Mayor and Corporation of Dudley attended these obsequies in public procession; Mr. Hingley being an Alderman of the Borough, and in 1870-1 its esteemed mayor.
INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.
1840. This new and commodious Congregational Chapel was built and opened for Divine Worship in 1841, under the pastorship of that excellent minister the Rev. James Dawson, who held that increasingly arduous appointment for a period of forty years. The yearly increasing numbers of the members of this Christian Church, after Mr. Dawson had been thoroughly engrafted into his truly earnest and evangelical work, made it necessary that three enlargements of the old chapel were required; for, as the minister’s popularity increased, his chapel became so inconveniently filled that the heads of the connexion took sweet council together, and determined upon erecting a much larger chapel, more suited to their requirements. The present chapel contains about 1,200 sittings, and there is an excellent Sunday school connected with this respectable body of worshippers, instructing in spiritual grace upwards of 400 children. Mr. Dawson only lived three years after the opening of the new chapel to enjoy the spiritual fruits of a long life of affectionate zeal and energy on behalf of those immortal souls committed to his charge. This handsome brick structure cost £3,500, raised by the congregation, and happily is quite free from incumbrance. It is in the recollection of some of the oldest inhabitants that the establishment of this sanctuary arose in consequence of a split or religious disagreement occurring amongst the Unitarian congregation in Wolverhampton Street at that period, which ended in the secession of many of its communion. The Rev. G. M. Fox, B.A., is the present most indefatigable minister.
ST. JOHN’S AND ST. JAMES’ NEW CHURCHES.
1840, July 27th. These two unpretending and unmeaning looking district Churches were consecrated this day by the Rev. Robert James, Lord Bishop of Worcester. Architect, Mr. William Bourne, Dudley. The first Incumbent of St. John’s was the Rev. Mr. Short, M.A. The first Incumbent of St. James’ was the Rev. Chas. Cameron, M.A. The Builders were Mr. Thos. Pitt Stokes and Mr. John Holland, Dudley. The site and burial ground, in both cases, were given by that very liberal Church Patron, Lord Ward. Both these Churches have within the last few years undergone considerable alterations and attempts at restoration to what a Church ought to represent when finished, and much of their former barn-like features have thereby been obliterated, much to the comfort and satisfaction of the worshippers attending thereat. These extensive restorations were defrayed by public subscriptions.
The year 1841 brought us another trial of political strength in this borough, and Mr. Hawkes was pitted against a Mr. J. A. Smith, a Reformer of very moderate pretensions, but with the like results; Mr. Hawkes held the good opinions, as a useful local man, of the majority of the electors, and he was the third time elected member for Dudley.
1. Mr. Thomas Hawkes, Tory436
2. Mr. J. A. Smith, Reformer189
——
Majority for Mr. Hawkes247
DUDLEY BREAD AND SOUP KITCHEN.
1842. This very valuable and highly acceptable institution, to the distressed poor especially, was established by a number of benevolent ladies and gentlemen in the town, during one of those cycles of hard times and bad trade to which this town and district is periodically subject. Messrs. Thomas and Isaac Badger, Mr. Wm. Barrows, Mr. Cornelius Cartwright, Messrs. Bourne and Wainwright, the Rev. W. H. Cartwright, M.A., Vicar, &c., Miss Banks, Mrs. H. M. Wainwright, Mrs. Wm. Barrows, Mrs. Dr. Roberts, and other ladies and townsmen, lent a most willing hand to this work of charity. From that period, until now, this deserving institution yearly distributes its weekly bounty to thousands of distressed families, in our bleak and dreary winter months. Its income is about £300 a year.
THE METHODIST WESLEYAN CHAPEL.
1842. This fine brick edifice, forming a centre with two projecting wings, situated in King Street, was erected in 1790, and had considerable additions and alterations made in 1810 and 1825. It contains about 850 sittings, of which 190 are free. The Wesleyan Members in this town and neighbourhood are a highly respectable and liberal communion of Evangelical people, having during the last hundred years exercised a most Christian and beneficial effect upon this town and locality. In the earlier days of Methodist troubles and internal contentions, this good old Chapel had its share of them; for there are some alive amongst us who can recollect the painful disruptions some 50 years ago, when pulling recusant and unpopular parsons out of the pulpit by main force, portrayed too painfully the dissensions which then reigned in the midst of the Methodist community. The Ministers in this chapel are appointed at the Annual Wesleyan Conference. There is an excellent Sunday-school at the rear of the Chapel, where 300 children receive a careful scriptural training. A few years ago a very handsome New Wesleyan Chapel was erected at Dixon’s Green, which is a great boon to the numerous Wesleyans residing in that increasing locality.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. MARY AND ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY.
1842. This modern Gothic Church was opened on March 7th, 1842, by his eminence Cardinal Wiseman. Previous to the erection of this sacred edifice the Roman Catholics in Dudley worshipped in a small Chapel in King Street, or were necessitated to travel to Sedgley. The Catholic Church was founded and built at the sole cost of the Honourable Rev. George Spencer, better known afterwards as “Father Ignatius.” The land was given by Mr. William Fletcher, nail master, of Dudley. In 1875, this Church was altered and restored at a cost of upwards of £1,000. The Rev. J. I. Bond, M.R., being the resident priest.
1843. April 12th, died Mr. Wm. Maurice, Bookseller and Printer, Market Place, an energetic adherent to the Unitarian cause in this town, and much respected by a large circle of friends. Aged 70 years.
Died, December 23rd, 1843, the Rev. James Dawson, Pastor of the Independent Chapel, King Street. In penning a few remarks upon the lamented death of this venerable and pious Christian Minister, who for the long period of 40 years conducted his valuable ministerial duties in the Congregational Chapel in King Street, I have to acknowledge the kindness and courtesy of his son, Mr. John Dawson, Chemist of the Town, who has furnished me with a perusal of the inner life (a diary) of his lamented father’s serious inspirations often offered up to the Throne of Mercy on behalf of his attached flock. “In 1801, Mr. Dawson came as a Minister on Probation to King Street Chapel, and on June 1st, 1803, he was ordained to the Pastoral Office over the Church of Christ at Dudley.” The following is a copy of his certificate of office and authority.
“This is to certify that our Brother the Revd. James Dawson was regularly set apart to the Pastoral Office in the Church of Christ, meeting in King Street, Dudley, in the County of Worcester, on the first of June, 1803.
Signed, J. Brewer, Birmingham,
J. Moody, Warwick,
Obh. Bennett,
Wm. Williams, Birmingham,
Jno. Hudson, West Bromwich,
Thos. Chipperfield, Stretton,
S. Hanwell,
B. Eaton.”
Such then was the form of Ordination of a Minister in the Independent Society of Christian worshippers in those remote days, whether such is the authority now in use I am unable to assert.
Some jarring and hasty remarks have lately been floated in our local Press, hurling serious charges against the religious belief and good manners of the people of Dudley in our own days. Past experience, and actual facts, loudly rebut such insane assertions, for we have only to take a survey of this important Borough now to witness the religious and scholastic zeal exhibited in the erection of Churches, Chapels, and Sunday Schools to the Glory of God and the spiritual good of the people; which its inhabitants have long placed in broad day-light, shewing their Christian benevolence and charity. Comparisons sometimes become odious; and a perusal of the following extract from the memoranda of the late Revd. James Dawson, may assuage some disappointed feelings, and remove recent and unpleasant impressions. “When the revival of religion took place in England, through the instrumentality of Whitfield and Westley, Dudley with the rest of the Kingdom partook of the advantages. Previous to this revival, the town, with the surrounding neighbourhood, was in an awful state of moral darkness. The congregation assembling in the Wolverhampton Street Chapel had forsaken the truth, and God had forsaken them. All was gloom and desolation in the Church; for the Gospel had not been preached in it since the time of Richard Baxter, who officiated in St. Thomas’s Church nine months, and taught the Grammar School. The Countess of Huntingdon’s Students and Ministers brought the Gospel to Dudley, and laboured for a considerable time in a dwelling house in King Street, and to their labours must be traced the erection of a new Calvinistic Chapel in this town. It was erected in the year 1788, in what is called her Ladyship’s Connexion. Owing to a variety of causes, but chiefly to the inefficiency of the supplies, and a heavy debt upon the Chapel, the cause did not prosper. Difficulties pressed upon the few people who attended, and it was feared the place must be sold to liquidate the debt, and at length it was deemed necessary to turn the Chapel over to the hands of Trustees, and transform it into a Congregational Church. This change was effected in the year 1792. After this period it was supplied chiefly by occasional Ministers from Birmingham and other neighbouring places. In the year 1800, application was made to Thomas Wilson, Esq., of London, Treasurer to the Dissenting College at Hoxton, for a Student to come amongst them with a view to a settlement. Their prayers were heard, and Mr. James Dawson was appointed to visit them, who, ultimately, took upon him the charge of the Church, and was ordained to the Pastoral Office on June 1st, 1803. In the year 1809, the front gallery was erected at a cost of £100, raised entirely by the Congregation. It was found necessary in 1815 to erect side galleries, the seats of which were soon occupied. More seats were soon required, and by a removal of the Sunday Scholars from under the front gallery into different parts of the Chapel, and by a further addition of seats in 1819, the increasing congregation was accommodated. In the year 1824, it was thought necessary to enlarge the Chapel still further. A meeting of a few friends was held to consult upon the best method of accomplishing the object, when subscriptions were entered into, and the enlargement was commenced and finished the same year. The seats were soon occupied, and the place became again too small to accommodate all who were desirous of attending, and after much deliberation it was determined to erect a New Chapel upon a scale sufficiently large for all who were willing to hear the Gospel, and especially to afford room for the poor. The Foundation Stone was laid the 21st day of May, 1839. May the blessing of God rest upon it, and render it a blessing to thousands of the fallen sons of Adam. Gloria sit Deo. James Dawson, Scripsit, 1839.”
The Rev. James Dawson, during the forty years he laboured as the beloved and respected minister of this Church of Christ, secured the goodwill and esteem of all denominations. His great energy in the pulpit and his unwearied efforts amongst his flock, supported as it was by his strong evangelical views, caused his name to be revered far and wide, and the life-long result of his ministry was a cheering evidence of what spiritual blessings a good man can confer upon his fellows. Mr. Dawson was a very retiring and humble-minded gentleman, very fearful of being the cause of offence, for in 1805 we find him writing, “It appears highly improper to speak evil of any one, but much more for one Christian to speak evil of another. How hateful, then, must it appear for one minister to speak evil of another; it is exceedingly bad and most horrible.” We find his aspirations and thankfulness for his yearly increase of spiritual work to be quite child-like and steadfast; for he writes, “This evening I was very comfortable at the prayer meeting; found great liberty in addressing a few who were present; our members increase both at the prayer meetings and public assemblies, for which I am thankful, and pray they may more rapidly increase in knowledge and true holiness.” Increasing years and duties, however, pressed hard upon this zealous servant of Christ, for in the latter part of his earthly sojourn he writes thus, “Although, through the kindness and mercy of my God, I enjoy a good measure of health and vigour of constitution, yet I feel myself incompetent to the full discharge of ministerial duties; visiting becomes irksome; occasional preaching in the neighbourhood, and meeting Bible classes impracticable at my time of life. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” A monument in the chapel records his death and excellency; he died December 23rd, 1843, aged 65 years.
In August, 1844, the town was suddenly made acquainted with the unwelcome news that Mr. Hawkes was about to resign his seat in Parliament, and that a fit and proper person would have to be elected in his place. Rumour, with her thousand tongues, ran hard and fast in conjecture and doubts as to the coming candidate; for it had long been observed that the Priory influence was yearly gaining strength and dictation, and the future Reform influence in the borough was being reduced to very narrow dimensions. The minds of the electors were soon put to rest by the announcement that Mr. John Benbow, of London (of the firm of Messrs Benbow and Tucker, solicitors, London), was the favoured Tory candidate, to do battle for Church and State in Dudley. The Anti-Corn Law League (emanating from Manchester), had already done a heavy uphill work throughout the kingdom, in advocating the total repeal of the Corn Laws; and some of its most talented public advocates had already obtained seats in Parliament as the reward of their fidelity to that great public question.
The Reformers of Dudley considering that the promotion of trade and commerce was more intimately connected with them than the interests of the British Farmer, for everyone had got hold of the hackneyed saying, “that we must buy in the cheapest, and sell in the dearest market,” decided to run a Free-Trade candidate at this by-election in the person of Mr. William Rawson, the chairman of the Anti-Corn Law League. Mr. Rawson’s claims upon the electors of Dudley mainly consisted in his advocacy of Free Trade, not only in corn, but everything else, whilst “the little loaf, and the big loaf” were held up to the gazing crowd, as the sign-posts of cheap bread, good wages, and increased commercial progress, and prosperity. Mr. Benbow had the advantage of a very different introduction to the electors; to many of whom he was well-known as the legal adviser to the trustees of the then young Lord Ward, whose immense wealth and popularity was the pass-word to any man’s success. Mr. Benbow was not a fluent speaker, neither was Mr. Rawson, so that we had not much speechifying from these gentlemen; it was said, that Mr. Rawson was a great thinker; however, these deficiencies were made up by the incessant fluency of Mr. Samuel Cooke, a respectable linen draper, of Dudley, Mr. William Insull, and Thomas Hill, who had become pronounced Chartists, and whose advocacy for many years of the Nine Points of the Charter entitled them to the regard and esteem of the whole force of the working classes in this town and district. Mr. Cooke was a well-read gentleman, with a zeal and honesty of purpose which few men can aspire to; there was a purity and singleness of aim in his public deliverances which secured him the respect of all good thinking people; and when he was committed to Worcester prison for a time, for what was then construed into seditious speaking, he was received back again to the scene of his well-meant labours with public triumph and cordial congratulations.
This election, however, came off under some popular excitement, for Free Trade was then the great war cry, and it had upset one Ministry and was wrecking the stability of another; but the Castle influence was proved to be too overwhelming for the popular cause; and the day of nomination, with its hordes of men driven up to the hustings like sheep, to hold up their hands for whom they were bidden, was, in truth and in deed, a sad exhibition of what was misnamed freedom of election. Mr. Benbow was elected by a good majority, and entered the House of Commons as a decided Tory representative.
1. Mr. John Benbow, Tory388
2. Mr. William Rawson, Free Trader175
——
Majority for Mr. Benbow213
Benefit Societies, established by the most intelligent of the working classes, had begun now to have a very beneficial effect in teaching the great principles of self help. The Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows had taken the lead throughout the country in this respect, and in the parish of Dudley we had upwards of 1,500 members enrolled.
1845. July 14th. A monster and grand procession of Odd Fellows walked the town this day, and went to a service at the Parish Church, when a collection was made for the Widows and Orphans’ Fund, amounting to £10 12s. 3d.
1845. July 30th. The Rev. Doctor Browne, Vicar of Dudley, was installed an Odd Fellow in the “Rose and Thistle” Lodge, and the worthy Doctor’s zeal on behalf of the Widows and Orphans’ was most manifest in the parish.
THE FRIENDS’ MEETING HOUSE.
1845. This small place of worship is approached through a passage leading out of High Street. It was originally built in 1670, was enlarged in 1793, and has since had additional alterations. The Friends are a small and select body of worshippers in this town, and appear to have suffered severe and uncharitable persecution at times, for it is recorded that on the 2nd May, 1665, four Friends of Dudley were seized by one Major Wilde, and a troop of horsemen, and taken to Worcester Gaol, kept there thirteen days till the Assizes and Sessions were over, and then committed to the common jail for three months without any trial, or even being brought into open court. At the expiration of their time of imprisonment, these Friends were brought into open court and fined 12d. each, and then dismissed. The heinous crime with which they had been charged was, “that they would not take an oath.” Surely we live in happier days of freedom and enlightenment, which is not always duly appreciated by the censorious and narrow-minded citizens of the present age, both social and religious pressure being often exercised in the sacred name of civil and religious liberty.
THE DUDLEY DISPENSARY.
1845. May 14. The foundation of this most valuable and humane institution bears date from this period. A public meeting of the inhabitants was held at the Town Hall, on May 14th, 1845, under the presidency of Edward Terry, Esq., the Mayor, “For the purpose of adopting such means as might be deemed best calculated to afford efficient medical relief gratuitously to indigent persons residing in the district, and especially of considering whether the establishment of a hospital at Dennis Park, to be called the Dudley and Stourbridge Hospital, be desirable or otherwise.” The subject was discussed with much animation and consideration for the wants of the indigent poor in the Dudley district. It was, moreover, considered that the wealth and kindly feeling of the inhabitants of Dudley and its immediate neighbourhood was a sufficient guarantee that a dispensary should and could be handsomely supported and maintained in the town of Dudley, irrespective of any pecuniary assistance from the Stourbridge district. After much discussion, the following resolutions were unanimously carried:—1st, “That in consequence of the distance of the intended hospital from this town and parish, such an institution would not be attended with so much advantage to Dudley and its immediate locality as a Dispensary.” 2nd, “That this meeting is fully of opinion that the establishment of a Dispensary to provide gratuitous medical assistance to those who are unable to procure professional relief for themselves, is the most desirable plan that can be adopted for this immediate district, and that a subscription be now opened to carry this object into effect.” The handsome sum of £178 was speedily collected in donations, and premises were taken in the Upper High Street at a rental of £40 per annum, and converted into a Public Dispensary. Mr. Richard Meredith was appointed the first resident Medical Officer, and the Institution was opened with an annual subscription list of £289. In 1860 it was deemed necessary to enlarge the usefulness of this charitable institution by erecting a more commodious building better adapted to its yearly increasing requirements. The noble Earl of Dudley, under the circumstances, presented the committee with a very eligible building site in the Priory Road; and that ever-to-be-remembered humble and unostentatious townsman, Joseph Guest, Esq., and friend to every good cause in Dudley, at once volunteered to erect the new dispensary at his sole cost. This noble and truly Christian offer was at once accepted, and the present Dudley Dispensary stands amongst us as a living testimony of the benevolent consideration of a worthy Dudley gentleman, the late Joseph Guest, Esq. It was said that the dispensary cost upwards of £1,600 in its erection. There is one feature in the management of this valuable institution which requires immediate rectification, viz., that a large number of patients who now derive benefit from this valuable institution are not the kind of people (the indigent poor) for whom it was originally established, and the rules of the institution are constantly broken by subscribers giving tickets to such applicants for medical relief.
Railway speculations, and numberless new railway projects cropped up all over the kingdom, and at Dudley we had the honour of entertaining what was called “The Battle of the Gauges,” a most scientific difference of opinion, “whether the Narrow Gauge, or the Broad Gauge,” was likely to be the most conducive to the public good. We had numerous private, and two public, meetings held to discuss this important question, inasmuch as two Railway lines were projected from Wolverhampton (via Dudley), to London and Bristol, &c. The one named the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway (Broad Gauge), the other was called the Tring Railway (Narrow Gauge), branching off to Birmingham in its route to London. After much ignorant conception and argument about the merits of each project (for we were entirely in the hands of the Speculators, Lawyers, and Engineers), it was unfortunately for the future advantage of Dudley decided to support the “Broad Gauge” (the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton line), which Bill passed the House of Lords on July 31st, 1845, and was commenced shortly afterwards.
1846. Mr. C. F. G. Clark, Chemist of this town, who had taken a very prominent part in supporting sound Odd Fellowship in this town and district, delivered a very luminous and entertaining lecture in the Lancaster School-room, Dudley (Dr. Browne, Vicar in the chair), “On the Origin, History and Principles of the Society of Odd Fellows.” This lecture (on a novel subject) attracted upwards of 500 of the public, and the clear, and lucid manner in which the lecturer stripped Odd Fellowship of many of its believed absurdities, and shewed “the advantages of a society, which not only affords a vast amount of assistance to its own members, but also relieves the Poor Rates, and other burdens upon parishes to an unparalleled extent, by teaching its members to be provident, sober, loyal, and industrious.” The profits of the sale of this lecture were given to the Widows and Orphans’ Fund, when upwards of £50 was added to that excellent Fund. Mr. Clark continued to lecture in this laudable cause for some years in this district.
“Odd Fellowship, M.U.—On Friday evening week, March 27th, 1846, a lecture was delivered in the Lancasterian School Room, Stafford Street, Dudley, by Mr. C. F. G. Clark, “On the Origin, History, and Principles of the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows.” The audience was very numerous, and the room, which is large, was well filled. The chair was taken by Dr. Browne, Vicar of Dudley, who briefly claimed for the lecturer a patient hearing. Mr. Clark opened his lecture with an introduction on the character of benefit societies in general, showing the superiority of Odd Fellowship over most other similar institutions. No society, he observed, that had ever been established in this country had afforded the amount of real benefit to its members which had been conferred by the Loyal and Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the Manchester Unity. He briefly noticed the origin of these institutions, expressing his opinion that they were to be traced from the Ancient Guilds, established by the church, in the time of the Saxons. He explained several of the laws of the societies of Guilds, and showed that they were established for a similar object to that of the societies of Odd Fellows. The Manchester Unity, he observed, was established in 1812 by twenty-seven working men, in Manchester, and remained in obscurity for some years, until in 1820 it was introduced into many of the large towns in the kingdom by the migrations of the Manchester brethren, and from that time its progress was rapid and signal. In 1838, it was introduced into Scotland, where it has been fostered with a spirit highly creditable to that far-seeing and intelligent people. In the Isle of Man, the doctrines of the Order had been so propagated that scarcely a man of any degree of station or character remained unconnected with it. There were upwards of 4,000 lodges in the Unity, and they were dispersed throughout Great Britain and Ireland, Malta, India, Australia, the Canadas, the United States of America, and other possessions of the British empire. In the year 1844 the society received into its funds £326,207, out of which was expended in purposes of relief £170,182, and for carrying on the extensive working of the system £71,420. Mr. Clark next noticed the system of government adopted by the institution, and most minutely explained the advantages arising from its completeness and comprehensiveness. He then called attention to several individual cases of benefit, and showed that Noah Clarke, of the Cumberland Lodge, received up to his death in 1843, upwards of £300 from the funds of the Cumberland Lodge, in the Manchester District. He noticed the objections which had been raised by many men to the Order, which he replied to with much ability. In closing his remarks, the lecturer noticed the benefit which the institution had afforded in Dudley. In the year 1842 and 1843, when trade was so bad, £432 3s. 3d. was paid on account of sickness and distress by the Wellington Lodge alone. During fifteen years and a half, David Pearson, of the Good Intent Lodge, held in High Street, had received upwards of £145; and Thomas Tomlinson, of the Wellington Lodge, in Stone Street, during fourteen years and a half, upwards of £120. He concluded by reading an eloquent tribute to the Order written by Dr. Wright, of Birmingham, and sat down amidst loud applause. Thanks were afterwards voted to the chairman for his kindness in presiding, and to Mr. Clark for his eloquent and instructive lecture.”—From the Birmingham Journal.
Died June 22nd, 1846, Mr. Jeffrey Finch, of Portersfield, Fender Manufacturer; a true specimen of a kind, genial, “Dudley man of ancient descent.” Aged 59 years.
Died June 24th, 1846, Mr. Rice, Castle Street. Aged 56 years.
1846. June 30th. The jury at Worcester Sessions awarded the sum of £3,440 to Mr. Ralph Musselwhite, Draper, for his shop and house being pulled down, standing on the Market flat, he demanding from the Dudley Town Commissioners £4,800!!!
1846. November 10th. A piece of very handsome silver plate was this day presented to Captain Wm. Bennett, of this town, as the result of a public subscription, “to mark the sense of his public services and worth.” The testimonial was presented by Lord Ward in a very complimentary speech.
Died February 1st, 1847, Mr. James Morris, Chemist and Druggist, of Dudley, a famous freemason. Aged 48 years.
Died March 22nd, 1847, old Mr. Wm. Fellowes, Senior, Castle Street. This old gentleman was a well known person in this town, and an acute lawyer in his day, with some eccentricity of character and thought. Aged 86 years.
In the month of June this year, it was quite evident in the political horizon that a dissolution of Parliament was at hand, and that our member, Mr. Jno. Benbow, M.P., would seek re-election; accordingly, on the 6th of July, the following address was freely circulated in the borough:—
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
A dissolution of Parliament being soon expected to take place, I hasten to solicit a renewal of that important trust which, in 1844, you kindly confided to me. During the period of my service in Parliament, I have ever been most anxious to prove my grateful sense of your generous confidence, by a diligent and faithful discharge of the duties which it imposed. On questions of national policy, which have been of more than ordinary magnitude, I have honestly supported those measures which the exigencies of the times, and the conflicting claims of the various interests of our free but complicated state seemed to me to demand; while in all that concerns your local interests it has been my constant endeavours to extend the trade and manufactures of your important town and neighbourhood, and to advance the general improvement of your borough. If by your suffrages I am again placed in the distinguished situation as your representative, it shall be my zealous aim to enhance your prosperity, and promote the welfare of our common country.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your faithful and obliged servant,
JOHN BENBOW.
July 6th, 1847.
Mr. Benbow, it was thought, was not going to have such an easy walk over, as his admirers had anticipated, for a Mr. Joseph Linney, an out and out Chartist, from Bilston, was trotted before admiring reformers by our old friend Mr. Samuel Cook, with the evident intent of embracing the opportunity of airing the Six Points of the Charter. On July 24th, this Bilston Firebrand issued a long-winded address to the Electors, embracing—
1. Universal Suffrage, 2. Vote by Ballot, 3. Annual Parliaments, 4. No Property Qualification, 5. Payment of Members, 6. Equal Electoral Districts.
In summing up his discourse, he says: “I have but to add in conclusion, that, if returned, I shall lend my support to those measures facilitating by Railroad and Cheap Postage the means of easy and rapid transmission and intercourse; thus I shall oppose all Foreign Wars not rendered necessary for self-defence or the purposes of humanity, and that I shall feel it my duty annually to present myself before the inhabitants of your Borough in public meeting assembled, and there to resign my trust into their hands, should such be the will of the majority.”
Now it so happened that Mr. Linney was a voluminous talker, and his free presence on the hustings with his friend, Samuel Cook, Mr. Wm. Insull, and kindred spirits, was looked forward to with dismay by one party, and hilarity by the other, for a turn of local fun was sure to arise in the public discussions. Another element of discord, also, arose amongst some of Mr. Benbow’s previous supporters, arising from the galling political dictation now assumed by the Priory influence. It was determined that if we were to be ridden by lordly influence that we would elect a local man whom we could trust to represent us, and it was at once determined to invite our own townsman, Mr. Thomas Badger, a very large employer of labour both in Dudley and the neighbourhood, to offer himself for the suffrages of the electors. Mr. Benbow and his friends became now thoroughly alarmed, and aroused to immediate action; for the old gentleman trudged down to Dudley to survey the situation, and at once issued the following laconic address:—
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
The dissolution having ensued, I now wait upon you to ask your suffrages, and should I be kindly favoured with a renewal of your confidence, so as to be again enabled to discharge the important duties which will devolve upon your representative in Parliament, you may rest assured that I will endeavour to repay the obligation by all the means in my power.
I am,
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN BENBOW.
Dudley, July 24th, 1847
The political freedom of Dudley was now in the throes of life, or death; and whilst our highly respected townsman, Mr. Badger, was counting the cost, and rehearsing in his mind the past experience of his friend Mr. Hawkes, late M.P. for Dudley, in Parliamentary matters, the following “Curiosities of Dudley” appeared before the disturbed Electors.
DUDLEY ELECTION.
To the Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley.
Gentlemen,
A dissolution of Parliament is at hand, and I hear of no other candidate for our suffrages besides our present Member. Is it not, however, worthy of enquiry, if this gentleman, a London Lawyer, a nominee, and personally unknown to the great majority of you, is the man of your choice, and a proper representative of your wants and interests in Parliament, and has he fair claims to be re-elected by you?
To justify these claims, what have been his doings since he held his seat for this borough? What has he done for the country at large, or for the constituency he represents? When the most momentous question that could be raised in a Protestant country was agitated—the revival of Popery in the endowment of the Papist College of Maynooth, was he at his post to defend the strongest bulwark of our national prosperity and glory—our reformed Christianity—or did he not skulk behind the scenes at each division on this vital question—and, by an ignoble silence, allow that measure which opens a broad inroad to the triumph of Popery, to pass without his vote? Is such a man worthy of the confidence of a Protestant constituency?—And in what other measure of national importance, and for the welfare of the people, has he taken any part? As to matters of local interest, his conduct in the case of the Bill for the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway will not soon be forgotten. To this measure, which promised the greatest benefit to the town and district, and which was hailed and supported by a vast majority of his constituents, he presented the most determined, unwearied and implacable opposition, and ever since it has passed has continued to throw every obstacle which malice or litigation could invent in the way of its progress. I say nothing to a number of other matters of local concernment, which, in proportion to their importance, redound as little to his credit.
And what has been his bearing towards those of his constituents who have held any official intercourse with him? Strong, or fancying himself so, in the interest of his patron, he has looked down upon them, if not with positive contempt, with the most supercilious indifference—riding rough-shod over them, their opinions, and their wishes, in the pure style of an “Irresponsible.” Too haughty to listen to their petitions, and acknowledging no one’s judgment or will but his own, his career has been as that of a tyrant among a nation of serfs. And yet he has the hardihood to offer himself again to the suffrages of these insulted constituents, and, strange to say, they seem prepared to sit down in this state of degradation.
But I shall be told that the honourable member has done great things for our borough, and that he has made full atonement for all his sins, in procuring from his patron—(one would think they were his own gift, if the selfishness of his nature were not too well known)—sites for a prison, schools, &c. And does he, or will you, my fellow electors, rob the noble head of the house of Dudley of these acts of justice and benevolence, or will you ascribe to the agent the act of the principal? Had MR. BENBOW never heard of that honourable name, I hesitate not to aver, that the borough of Dudley had been no loser at all in the matter.
Is he, then, I repeat, the man who ought to represent us in Parliament? And have we no one among ourselves equally, or better, qualified to support our interests, and to whom some debt, not of reproach, but of public gratitude is due? I think we have, and I would name THOMAS BADGER, Esq., as one. No man is better acquainted with the interests and wants of our borough than he is, and no man has exerted himself so much and successfully to promote them, or would labour more faithfully and zealously in support of those wants and interests. Living all his life among us, his character is well known to be unimpeached and unimpeachable.—Strong and clear in his judgment, firm and decided in his principles and proceedings, and well experienced, by years and business, in the knowledge of our commerce, and of men and things, and with a property sufficient to place him above temptation, he is well-fitted to serve the interests of his neighbours and his country. I do not know that he would accept the trust, but I think he ought to be invited to do so, and I throw out this hint in the hope that it may be taken up and succeed.
AN INDEPENDENT ELECTOR OF DUDLEY.
Dudley, July 20, 1847.
DUDLEY ELECTION.
A word in the Ear of an Independent Elector of Dudley.
My Dear “Independent,”
What a funny fellow you are! Asking at this time of the day, if Mr. Benbow is the man of the choice of the Dudley Independent Electors? And whether he is not “a nominee?” What fun! To ask if these things are not “worthy of enquiry?” You droll dog! Ask whether the sun shines? “What has he done for the country at large, or for the constituency he represents?” I fearlessly answer he has done his duty. “Nominees” attend to the interests of those who nominate them. And has he not perseveringly upheld the interests of his patron in all the railway struggle? What had the “vast majority of his constituents” to do with the matter? True it is, he opposed the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway Bill, which was hailed and supported by a vast majority of his constituents, and that he continues “the most determined, unwearied, and implacable opposition” to it; but yet he will be re-elected without opposition; clearly showing it is no business of theirs. The line of Railway Mr. Benbow supported was the most beneficial for Lord Ward’s estates, and that is one and the same thing as the Borough of Dudley. Could the constituency expect more? His conduct respecting the endowment of the “Papist College of Maynooth,” may have been, from what is known, more independent! We know not what Lord Ward’s opinions on this subject are:—and Mr Benbow, may, in this instance, have equally disregarded the opinions of the “Independent Electors of Dudley,” and of his Patron. Whether they were alarmed at “the revival of Popery,” or simply objected to the grant of the public money for an exclusively sectarian religious education, he may, in this instance, have voted to please himself! ’Tis clear the “Independent Electors” had nothing to do with it.
You forgot the Corn-law affair! The “Independent electors,” at the last election, returned Mr. Benbow in opposition to Mr. Rawson, the enthusiastic Treasurer of the Anti-Corn Law League, expressly to uphold those laws, and “protect native industry;” and he voted for their total abolition! ’Tis true in so doing he showed a similarity of opinion between himself and Lord Ward;—and a decided diversity between himself and his “Independent” supporters! In return for his independent conduct, his “Independent” supporters, will again vote for, and elect him Member for Dudley. Never before was such a band of disinterested Patriots known! Among them stands pre-eminent, Thomas Badger, Esq., selected by you as a proper person to oppose Mr. Benbow! In homely language, you have selected him to “bell the cat?” There are rumours afloat of the deliberations of the council when this measure was proposed! And if there be truth in these rumours, these deliberations came to a similar result with those of the mouse council! viz., that the advice was very bold, but its execution, by any member of the council, hopeless. I thought you too severe here. To look for any electors of the Borough of Dudley, who approve of Mr. Badger’s political principles, of sufficient courage and independence to oppose the Himley Influence was too bad. Mr. Badger would repudiate any such admirer.
Mr. Benbow is the man for Dudley. ’Tis true he voted for the extended Grant to Maynooth, in opposition to many of his supporters: no matter;—they will generously support him as before! ’Tis true he broke all his pledges to uphold the Corn Laws to the disgust and indignation of his “independent” supporters: no matter;—they will rally round him at the hustings! ’Tis true he opposed himself to the interests and wishes of the great majority of the electors and inhabitants of the Borough in the Railway affair: no matter;—they dare not vote against him at the poll! ’Tis true he has neglected the interests of his nominal constituents whilst living: no matter;—he has procured from his patron the grant of burial grounds, without charge, for their benefit, when dead he provided them with graves; ’Tis true; the independence of the Borough is utterly destroyed: no matter;—Mr. Benbow, like a generous enemy, has provided a decent burial!
When you next write, be guarded in what you say; Mr. Benbow may find you out; although you do not sign your name, and although you cut off the Printer’s name and address: he is so sharp. And woe betide any one he catches tripping.
Your sincere friend,
A BROTHER “INDEPENDENT.”
Dudley, July 22, 1847.
“Dudley Castle in Modern Times.”
A NEW FARCE IN ONE ACT,
After Shakespeare.
Scene.—A Room in Smith’s Hotel.
Characters.
Tom Nailer, a FEELING Candidate.
Isaac, one of the Old School.
Spirits, a would-be Senator.
Mayor, a willing instrument.
Chartist Sam, an unpopular popular man.
Bill, an American adventurer, lately returned from his travels.
George Wesley, an eminent Brewer.
Molley, a newly-appointed Justice.
Lord Priory, a Deputy-Landlord (arriving late.)
Waiter, listening through the hey-hole.
Enter ISAAC (musing) with the Standard paper in his hand.
Isaac. Gentlemen, I come no more to make you laugh, things that bear a weighty and serious brow, full of state and woe, such scenes as draw the eyes to tears, we now present. This paper tells me that the Queen hath now dismissed her faithless Parliament, once more to meet the public eye, and he whom we so lovingly raised to the honour, and safe keeping of our state and consciences, comes here again to seek our love, which he hath thus so shamefully abused. We must be up and doing, else the unmitigated errors of our former deeds will cloud the bright honour of our party. What say you friends to another Candidate for our purpose? (Yes! yes!! yes!!!)
Mayor (reading his speech.) Most willingly my friends I would obey the councils of our party, and having heard our friends speak highly of our worthy Tom, as one in whom the inmost secrets of our hearts and wishes may be safely hid; one that will our interests truly represent, despite the reasonings of the vulgar herd; one that will faithfully uphold our holy church against the Papal Powers and low dissent; one that has claim upon our love for long tried services and renown, and whose ambition is but laudably upright; this is the man in whom we can confide. I therefore do most thankfully propose him as our future Senator. (Immense cheering, clapping of hands, and stamping of feet.)
Isaac. This is the happiest moment of my life, the head and front of our noble house is thus most justly to attain his high rank in the bold field of senatorial fame. Oh! how toil of former years will thus recline upon laurels so nobly won; and our famed house, whose ancestors we can from yore bring down, will now be upward raised to honour, fame and senatorial power. I do my friends most cordially approve your choice.
Chartist. Most reverend, grave and noble gentlemen, I would intrude upon your presence, and a round unvarnished tale unfold, concerning him on whose behalf I am constrained to speak. Unkindly given to that Bending-Bow, whose bearing to my admonitions have been sadly coarse, and whose independence ill-becomes his place; his confidence I do now abjure, and leave him to his merited deserts. But, whilst my honoured friend Tom, whose mighty hand I have so often felt, stands high with us for Magistraterial worth, yet sadly he doth lack those senatorial powers which constitute the wisdom of our state. He whom I do now propose, so gentle he in Spirits, mild in speech, so clear in judgment, correct in our cause, so free from fetters, and unbiassed in mind; he can our cause uphold, and justly raise our state and interests to our wishes. I do therefore propose my friend Spirits as our future representative. (Immense murmuring.)
Molley. Why murmur thus my friends, for this ambitious wish by him whom we so oft have cause to praise for his discretion, probity, and talents. It ill-becometh one, like me, who hath derived so much unmerited power and distinction from our noble Tom, to try to stem the flood of his most honoured course; but know ye not that divers sayings we do hear abroad of the little relish the gentle burgesses have for his name? The trumpet that was sounded for the object of our choice falls dull upon the public ear; and rumour, with her slanderous tongue, talks loud of bye-gone bigotry,—party purposes, uncourteous bearing,—revengeful feelings,—which were wont to emanate from his noble house; besides, the foul slur that he doth lack the talent, knowledge, and the like, which ought to fit him for St. Stephen’s Hall. These things behove us to be on our guard against the common enemy, and remember our cause, the church, our privileges, our private interests, above all the public weal, demands that cheated once out of our former loves, we should send one to Parliament in whom we can confide. Perchance our Tom might lose the day, but if by trickery, electioneering evils, false faces, and designing deeds, we can them all outwit and send our man, the game is then our own. These potent reasons do constrain me to support another candidate; besides, in starting two into the field, we shall mislead the enemy; perchance in losing Tom, the other we may securely gain; and by our Chartist friend our cause upholding, it augurs well for the relish that doth show itself in the ungodly camp of the rabble herd; for their support may thus be safely brought unto our aid. I would beseech you to adopt this course, and give our Spirituous friend the benefit of your close alliance.
Tom (rising with great emotion.) Rude am I in speech, and little blessed with the set phrase of courtliness, but I do requite you for your love to me. I did not go into this matter, but by the learned approbation of my friends; and if I am traduced by tongues, which neither know my faculties nor person, yet will be the chroniclers of my doings, let me say it is but the fate of place, and the rough brake that virtue must go through. We must not stint our necessary actions in the fear to cope malicious usurers, which ever as ravenous fishes do a vessel follow, longing for the leaden corpse thrown over. My ambitious spirit, aided by your weighty counsels, led me to suppose that my success was certain. They do me wrong that complain unto the people that I am stern and love them not, that fill their ears with dissentious rumours; because I cannot flatter and speak fair, smile in men’s faces with an apish courtesy, thus I must be held a rancorous enemy. Cannot a plain man live and think no harm, but thus his simple truth must be abused by silken, sly, insinuating snobs. I will forego this proffered seat, and leave my younger friend to win the day.
George Wesley (beseechingly.) Know, then, that it is your fault that you resign this seat; your state of fortune, and your birth’s due demand your acquiescence. Pray, I beseech you, to revise your thoughts and think this noble Isle doth want her proper limbs. This Bending-Bow whom our manners call the member—more bitterly could I expostulate, save that for reverence sake to some alive I give a sparing limit to my tongue. Come, then, dear Tom, take to yourself this unfettered seat of honour, this proffered benefit of dignity, if not to bless us and the land withal, yet to draw forth your noble ancestry from the corruption of abusing time, into a lineal true derived course.
Tom (angrily.) I cannot tell if to depart in silence or bitterly to speak in your reproof best fitteth my degree, for tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yieldeth to bear the golden yoke of membership which fondly you would thrust upon me. Definitely thus I tell you. Your love deserves my thanks, but my deserts unmeritable shun your high request; but if all obstacles were cut away, and my path were even to the seat, I the sceptre would lay hold, and rid you of your fears. Alas! I am, they say, unfit for state and dignity. I do beseech you take it not amiss, I cannot, nor I will not, yield to your entreaties. (Lamentations.)
Bill. You are, my sire, too ceremonious for the times; weigh it but with the grossness of the age; you break no faith in serving on this seat; besides, the benefit is always granted to those who have the wit to claim the place. This Bending-Bow hath neither claimed it nor deserved it; then taking it from him you serve the public most, and thereby elevate our noble house.
Chartist (with much impatience.) I do beseech you hear the sentiments of our spirituous friend.
Spirits (rising with great gravity.) My election sure, my honour elevated, and your dear wishes realized, I will requite your honoured favours. “A life devoted to your service and the cause of liberty, an advocate for the people’s rights, and a recourse to physical force in agitating times, are the principles upon which I solicit your support. (Cheers from Chartist.) Faithfully attached to the unlimited favour of the people, an enemy to that hydra of all religious toleration (the Church by law established), considering the connexion betwixt Church and State, a libel upon the freedom, and a disgrace to this country. I deem the advocacy of politics by men who have devoted their lives to the service of God (as is witnessed in the House of Lords), as a shameful surveillance to the integrity of that section of the executive, for its interference is tinctured with the bigotry of the schools, and its existence overawes the weak and imbecile opinions of the expectant recipients of Church patronage. Considering the present franchise a mockery upon the political rights of the people, as exclusive in its operations, and venal in its results, I shall endeavour to extend the franchise to both sexes after they have left school. (Immense cheering, with marked disapprobation from Tom and Isaac.) Freedom of election being the bulwark of independence, I look upon the system of representation as practised in this borough, and the herd-like manner in which white slaves are driven about like cattle, according to the motives of the noble proprietor, or the interests of a small section of the electors; as a violation of the sacred rights of man, and a farcical performance calculated to revolutionize the organisation of society at large. Gentlemen, nay, my constituency! let us leave man, the noblest attribute of the Divine origin in the freedom of his birth, the unfettered exercise of his mind, and the full powers of his physical and gastronomical faculties. (Mingled shouts of applause, and prayerful groanings from George Wesley.) Gentlemen, don’t pledge your consciences for party and base purposes. (Cheers.) Beware of peerage interference with your noble rights. (Cheers.) Rally round the standard of liberty; give me your unqualified support and alliance, and I will retrieve our lost influence.” (Prolonged cheering, during which time Spirits calls for some gin and water.)