THE Curiosities of Dudley AND THE Black Country. (continued 5)

About five minutes before Mr. Lee concluded his address, Isaac Badger, Esq., entered the room. As soon as the Inspector sat down, Mr. Badger said he wished to ask a question, as he had that morning met most of the principal gentlemen of the town, not one of whom knew anything about the origin of the enquiry. He wished for some information why the meeting was held, and was proceeding to remark that although he did not deny something of the sort was wanted, yet that he thought Dudley could very ill afford to go to any expense at all; when Mr. Lee interrupted him with “Don’t make a speech, if you please; if you ask any questions I will answer them.” He had before met with cases of this sort, where gentlemen of influence in the locality came in after he had given his explanation of the cause of the enquiry—an explanation which in the present instance had occupied an hour in the delivery, after waiting nearly another hour past the time appointed—and would have him to go over the explanation again, for their personal information. He would put it to those present whether such a thing could be expected from him.—Mr. Badger said it was an important thing for the town, and he was surprised the authorities knew nothing about it. He might have signed a requisition if he had been asked to do so, and he wanted to know who was the cause of the meeting being called.—Mr. Lee: As they doubtless knew there was to be an enquiry here this morning, they should have been here at ten o’clock.—Mr. Badger: What I have asked for is information that the town ought to have, but as he refuses to answer the question, I will now withdraw. I saw a very respectable medical practitioner yesterday, and he tells me—Mr. Lee: You had better address yourself to me, sir.—Mr. Badger: All I have to say is, that the town never was in a more healthy state than at present; and I object to the whole proceedings. Mr. Badger then left the room, accompanied by J. G. Walker, Esq.—Mr. Lee said that any other gentleman might come into the room and put such questions, and with equal reason expect him to answer them. It was not a matter affecting his own convenience, but it was a waste of time which he would not permit. The gentleman had thought proper to withdraw, and perhaps he would say that he had been refused information, but there were those present who could correct such a statement. At a subsequent stage of the proceedings, the Inspector, in reply to a remark that he had spoken to Mr. Badger “in a way to which he was not accustomed,” said he had no respect of persons, and could make no distinction between the rich and the poor.

Mr. Fletcher presented the evidence taken before Mr. Slaney, M.P., in 1842, while inquiring into the state of Dudley under the Public Health Commission; and after receiving some evidence as to the nuisance in existence, Mr. Lee adjourned the inquiry.

Tuesday afternoon was spent in viewing some parts of the town; and on Wednesday Mr. Lee continued his inspection, in company with the Rev. Dr. Browne, J. C. Bourne, Esq., J. Maughan, Esq., Messrs. Bateman, J. Marsh, and other respectable inhabitants of the borough. He proceeded to the Friends’ Chapel, in the High Street, Wolverhampton Street, Shaver’s End, St. James’s Terrace, the Dock, Vicarage Prospect, Spring’s Mire, Stafford Street, Cross Street, &c., jotting down his observations as he went along. We may venture to affirm that few places require the surveillance of an inspector of some kind or other more than the Ball Court, Belper, Marrian’s and Pagett’s Yards, the Barracks, the Lodging-houses, (chiefly occupied by Irish) in Cross Street, and some other places, which have always been noted as hotbeds of epidemic and contagious diseases—the cholera, fever, small pox, scarlatina, and measles, having always in these localities assumed their most virulent type. By some of the gentlemen in attendance it was confessed that they were entirely unaware of such hotbeds of pestilence existing in such crowded localities. On Thursday Mr. Lee again attended at the Town Hall, when some evidence was offered on the part of J. Bennett, Esq., as to Messrs. Smith and Pigott having certain premises in Tower Street, to which, on account of their close proximity to the Workhouse, whenever epidemic disorders prevailed, many pauper patients were always brought, thus becoming to some extent an hospital for the poor. Mr. Lee was this day attended by J. G. Bourne, J. Bennett, and J. Maughan, Esqrs., Messrs. Hollier, Dudley, Bateman, Marsh, and some others, and inspected the Workhouse, New Street, Tower Street, Green Man Yard, Birmingham Street, Pottery Fields, &c. Some of the courts and yards, in Birmingham Street particularly, attracted the notice of Mr. Lee and the gentlemen with him as being close, confined, ill drained, and badly ventilated.

As it appears very probable that the provisions of the Health of Towns Act will be enforced in Dudley (for we cannot imagine what other report than an unfavourable one can be presented to the Board by Mr. Lee), would it not be better that the town itself should take the matter up, and by a new Town Act or Charter of Incorporation endeavour to procure those powers which will enable the inhabitants to act for themselves rather than be compelled to adopt the provisions of the Health of Towns Bill, which must entail upon the Borough a vast expense, that at the present time it is but ill able to bear. It is high time these matters were thought of by the inhabitants of Dudley, and that the obstinate opposition of some one or two parties should not be allowed to stop all improvements, as otherwise they will be compelled at last to adopt those measures which a little more consideration might have prevented.

We believe Mr. Lee will continue his inspection, which is expected to last some days longer.

August 16th, 1851. Nothing especially resulted from the above exposé of the flagrant unsanitary condition of this town, except a scare, from which the Town Commissioners (the only ruling authority we then had in the town), began to fear that their brief authority would shortly be taken from them by the Board of Health in London; consequently on October 3rd, 1851, an extraordinary meeting of the Town Commissioners was held this day at the Hotel, “to consider the propriety of applying to Parliament for increased powers in the Dudley Town Commissioners Act,” which dated back to 1791. After a lengthened discussion (in a very numerous attendance of members) it was resolved on the motion of Mr. C. F. G. Clark, chemist, seconded by Mr. Thomas Fletcher, “That the anticipated early application of the Health of Towns Bill to this parish would obviate the necessity of any increased powers in the Dudley Town Commissioners Act.” There was also a very strong feeling expressed in favour of applying for an Act of Incorporation as soon as it might be deemed advisable. This desire for incorporation very soon cooled down, for the town was not incorporated for sixteen years afterwards (in 1867).

Died, August 24th, 1851, Mr. Wm. Badger, the second son of Thos. Badger, Esq., J.P., “The Hill Home,” Dudley. Aged 34 years.

August 27th, 1851, a new fire engine was sent to this town by the Birmingham Fire Insurance Company; Mr. C. F. G. Clark was the local agent.

Died, November 14th, 1851, at Schwalbach, Duchy of Nassau, the Lady Selina Constance, the first wife of Lord Ward. Aged 22 years.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WATER COMPANY.

December 1st, 1851. This new company gave public notice of their intention to apply to Parliament for a Bill to give to a large portion of South Staffordshire, together with the town of Dudley, a better supply of water. After considerable opposition they succeeded in obtaining the Bill in the main, and from that time our water supply has been given by that now very enlarged company.

March 2nd, 1852. Married Miss Cresswell, of the Priory Home, to Mr. John Beddard, Nail Factor and Iron Merchant.

Church Rates becoming yearly more deservedly unpopular, not only in Dudley but in the country at large, on March 24th, 1852, a severe contest took place this day in St. Edmund’s district parish, betwixt the Church party and the Dissenters. A Church Rate of 5d. in the pound was proposed by the Churchwardens, and 1d. in the pound by the Dissenters; the result of the parish poll was—

For a5d.Church Rate,112 votes

“1d.“76 “

——

Majority,36 “

April 10th, 1852. St. Thomas’ parish was also most vigorously and successfully assailed against Church Rates, and, as the parish contains some of our large manufactures, it was at first doubtful which way a poll would terminate; but when it became known that Messrs. A. B. Cochrane and Samuel K. Blackwell were decidedly turned against the future imposition of the obnoxious Church Rates, it became a foregone conclusion that the Church party would lose the day, and be left to provide for Mother Church as well as they could.

The following hearty appeals were made to the ratepayers at this memorable Dudley fight for Mr. Samuel Cook’s innate principles of civil and religious freedom:—

TO THE RATEPAYERS OF ST. EDMUND’S DISTRICT, DUDLEY.

Dissenters,

The Churchwardens of this District have been defeated this day at the Vestry, in attempting to impose upon you a Rate of FIVEPENCE IN THE POUND. The Churchwardens have demanded a poll, to obtain the Votes of the District generally upon the matter, to take place in the Vestry of St. Edmund’s Church, on Tuesday next, at Ten o’clock in the morning.

Will you suffer in silence another of these fearful infractions on common sense and common justice to be thrust down your throats? Defeat this mean, shabby means of the Churchwardens to obtain money for them and their Church-going brethren to worship God in what they are pleased to call, most strangely, “the beauty of holiness,” at your expense.

Churchmen,

If you cannot poll against this Rate, stay at home, and show by your silence, that your good sense and common duty of man toward man are sadly wounded by this reflection upon either your want of means or want of principle to worship your God with clean hands and a clean heart, without forcing your unwilling and conscientious neighbours to pay towards what, if you love your God “in spirit and in truth, you would shrink from with fear and trembling.”

A CONSCIENTIOUS DISSENTER.

March 19th, 1852.

GO TO THE POLL AT THE TIME APPOINTED.

CHURCH RATE MEETING.

A Poll Demanded.

A meeting of the ratepayers of this parish was held on Thursday last in the vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, for the purpose of granting a church rate of sixpence in the pound, to meet the expenses of the ensuing year. The Rev. Dr. Browne, the vicar, occupied the chair. Mr. Hollier, the people’s warden, read the account of the present year’s receipts and expenditure up to Easter; from which it appeared that the expenses for salaries, &c., for the various churches amounted to £364 and upwards, that there was about £212 which had to be provided out of the arrears of the last rate. It also appeared that the further sum of £423 was due to other persons in the parish. After a few remarks from the Chairman upon the apparent hardship inflicted upon those who had paid, while others had not paid the rate, (and in which Mr. Steedman concurred), the rev. gentleman stated that during the seven years he had resided in the parish no church rate higher than 5d. in the pound had been granted, except that when a rate of 10d. in the pound was granted, this extended over a period of two years. He then referred to the improvements effected, alluding particularly (inter alia) to the wall surrounding the burial ground, and where nobody could be refused interment. Mr. Pattison here observed that the 10d. rate referred to was granted for the purpose of paying the bills of Mr. Holland, builder, and Mr. Powell, painter, and inquired what was still owing to them, when Mr. Hollier stated that a sum of £66 was due to Mr. Holland, and £60 to Mr. Powell, and after giving a summary of the expenses incurred in connection with the churches, Mr. Hollier further stated that he had not broken faith with the parishioners on his first appointment to office; that the expenses had been always carefully looked to; nor had he asked for a greater rate than 6d. in the pound. Mr. Pattison submitted that he had not done his duty in not enforcing the rate from those who refused, and yet were well able to pay; the churchwardens had the law upon their side, and they ought to enforce it. Mr Hollier expressed his unwillingness to distrain upon parties if it could be possibly avoided. The office of churchwarden had not been sought by him, but was thrust upon him, and he should only be too happy to be relieved from its cares and responsibilities. The Chairman then read a resolution which had been very recently entered upon the vestry book, to the effect that all persons able to pay the church rate should be compelled to do so. After further remarks, resulting in an animated but good humoured discussion, Mr. Hollier proposed a rate of 6d. in the pound, which was seconded by Mr. W. Sheppard. It was then proposed as an amendment (the Rev. Chairman, however, declining to put it to the meeting as an amendment, on the ground that a penny rate was quite insufficient to meet the expenses,) on the motion of Mr. J. Finch, seconded by Mr. D. Lloyd, that a rate of a penny in the pound be granted. Mr. Lloyd enquired the necessity for the present meeting if the amendment was not to be put, to which the Chairman observed that the meeting was called for the purpose of granting a 6d. rate, and nothing else; whereupon Mr. T. Stanley remarked that they (the opponents of the sixpenny rate) “were like sheep driven to the slaughter.” Mr. Hollier stated that if a penny rate were granted, similar meetings might take place week after week. The rev. Chairman (after some remarks about a poll being demanded, and having stated that a minority could grant a church rate) was then asked what was the use or necessity of a poll at all; to which he facetiously replied, “for amusement;” an announcement which was received with much laughter. Mr. Insull then asked whether it was legal for the meeting to propose either a greater or a less rate than the one sought for. The Chairman answered that as to a greater, he was not sure, but certainly not a less rate. T. Fereday Esq., the other churchwarden, here remarked that the object of the meeting was to grant a sixpenny rate, and if refused by the meeting, the better way was to go to the poll. The Chairman then put the penny rate to the meeting, and afterwards the sixpenny rate; when, on a show of hands, a majority appeared to be decidedly in favour of the penny rate. Mr. Hollier then demanded a poll, which was instituted immediately. Mr. Lloyd urged the propriety of the meeting being adjourned to the Old Town Hall. This, however, was overruled, as the Guardians were stated to be using it at that time. The Chairman stated that no ratepayers would be entitled to vote unless not only the previous poor rate, but also the last church and highway rates were paid, a legal point upon which the majority of the meeting differed, contending that the payment of the poor rate was only the test of qualification. It was at length agreed that the polling should take place at the vestry, and that all votes tendered should be taken on payment of the previous poor rate, the votes being afterward subjected to a scrutiny. The poll immediately commenced, and was kept up till five o’clock, when it closed for that day. The numbers were then as follows:—For the penny rate, 78: for the sixpenny rate, 91. The poll will be resumed to-day (Saturday), and will continue from ten o’clock a.m. till five o’clock p.m., and will be again resumed on Monday, at ten o’clock, finally closing at 12 o’clock at noon. The best feeling seems to be manifested by all parties.

April 10th, 1852. There was a majority of 98 against this rate.

CHURCH RATES.

Ratepayers of Dudley,

At the Vestry Meeting held this morning, for the purpose of imposing a Sixpenny Rate, an amendment for a Penny Rate was moved, and almost unanimously carried by a show of hands. The Churchwardens demanded a Poll, which is now going on at the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church.

Embrace the present opportunity! Lose no time! All who conscientiously oppose this exorbitant tax, hasten and Vote for the Penny Rate! All Poor Rates that have been demanded must be paid previous to voting. The Polling will be kept open till five o’clock this afternoon. Attend the Public Meeting at the Swan Inn, this evening at 8 o’clock.

Thursday, April the 8th, 1852.

DUDLEY CHURCH RATES.

The Friends of Religious Liberty are requested to attend, as early as possible, at the Vestry Room of St. Thomas’s Church, between the hours of from Ten till Four on Saturday, April 10th, 1852, or from Ten till Twelve on Monday, April 12th, 1852, to Vote for the Penny Rate, instead of the Sixpenny Rate.

Go to the Poll Early, and Victory is Certain!!

Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley.

THE CHURCH RATE CRISIS!

“Coming events cast their shadows before.”—Cato.

Yea, and the fangs of an Ecclesiastical Court will attest their realities in the pockets of unfledged Anti-Church Rate victims.

Brother Dissenters,

The last two months has witnessed a vigorous and legitimate opposition on our part to that detestable of all Taxation, the Church Rate. Our triumphant success at the poll in St. Thomas’s district has incontestably proved to all parties, that the imposition of this tax rests alone with the Ratepayers, and that, as hitherto, a mere vestry coterie shall not tax the conscientious Dissenter without first giving him the honest and Englishman-like opportunity of ascertaining for what purpose he is to be taxed.

The fact having now been fully established, the staff having now been really placed in the hands of the Ratepayers, it becomes a question of the most vital pecuniary, as well as public and legal, consideration, how far we are morally justified in further resisting the claims of a Church Established by Law; after we have lately testified that those claims shall first receive our sanction and approval at the tribunal of a parish poll.

Fellow Christians, lose not sight of the fact that success has often intoxicated the victorious, thrown them off their guard, and given the enemy vantage ground. Beware of placing implicit confidence in the opinion of that class of agitating law-givers who deceive you by propounding to your ignorance what they and you would wish the law to be, keeping from you what it really is. Recollect, Ah! and enquiry will convince you, ye unfledged sons of popular opinion, that the laws were made for the Church at a time when ignorance was bliss, and it is now even a folly to be wise to the tune of an Ecclesiastical enquiry, viewing with Argus eye the value and extent of your goods and chattels from Westminster Palace Yard. Resist the law according to law, but for the sake of him whose name we all bear, “render to Cæsar the things that be Cæsar’s,” and lend not your conscientious sufferings, either to elevate a meanless party into public notoriety or compromise that brotherly love, which we profess to render even to our enemies.

Enquire of your elder brethren how fared the dissenters in the notorious Wood Case, and the echo will be defeat and payment. Let us not again enact a folly that inevitably shall constrain us to appeal to strangers in the flesh, but brothers in the faith, for pecuniary assistance in the midst of our never-to-be-forgotten consternation and alarm. Nay! let us rather weigh the matter honestly over in our own breasts, and consider whether it is not better to pay honestly (and leave the ignominy to those who receive it) the demands that we now believe to be illegally demanded at our hands, and save our money, not to feed the jaws of D.C.L.’s, but to legally contest and maintain our rights for the time to come.

Petition the Imperial Parliament for the repeal of the vexatious Tax. It is known that many honourable sons of the Church will join us, for they bleed and feel acutely for us, who are men of like attributes to themselves—Reject the election of any man who refuses to assist us in his place in St. Stephen’s to get rid of our burden; and, above all, whilst the Church Rate Enactment lasts, be careful to elect such Churchwardens as shall faithfully perform their unpleasant duties, observe scrupulous economy in the expenditure of our money, be open and candid in their transactions with the public; neither given to bolster up obsolete customs and practices of the Church, used only in the middle ages, nor yet inclined to accede to the rapacity of a once popularity-seeking Vicar, at once a misfortune, by example and precept, to the Church, and no great love of those who dissent from his unproductive teaching.

Henceforth, let peace and vigilance be our watchword, and the Poll Book our bulwark against oppression and injustice.

AN OLD DISSENTER!

And one who had to pay the piper to a heavy tune in the celebrated Wood case.

Dudley, May 20th, 1852.

The result of this severe Parochial Contest was that the 1d. Church Rate was carried by a majority of 98 votes. This contest was the death warrant for Church Rates in Dudley.

April 21st, 1852. A cab stand was established in the Market place (by Mr. William Beddard, of the Castle Hotel), a long wanted convenience.

The two parsonage houses of St. John’s and St. James’ Churches were built this year by subscriptions; Lord Ward giving the ground and £100 donation to each house.

May 28th, 1852. The Churchwardens of St. Edmund’s Church (Messrs. C. F. G. Clark and Thomas Danks) called a Vestry Meeting of the inhabitants, for the purpose of adopting the most efficient means for erecting a Parsonage House for St. Edmund’s parish. A very handsome subscription list was commenced at this meeting, which ultimately ended in the erection of the present St. Edmund’s Parsonage House, at a cost of upwards of £1,600. Mr. C. F. G. Clark exerted himself very zealously in this necessary business.

June, 1852. The state of the political horizon in London, and the distrust and uneasiness which prevailed amongst all classes, and more especially in reference to the veiled intentions of the Emperor Nicholas in Russia, to conquer and add the Turkish Empire to his already vast dominions, pointed to the necessity of an appeal to the constituents, to ascertain how the British pulse beat upon these momentous questions.

The following address of Mr. Benbow to his constituents shews that he thought “coming events cast their shadows before them:”

TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

As a dissolution of Parliament is now very near it becomes my duty to inform you of my intention to seek a renewal of the generous confidence which you have on two former occasions reposed in me.

My political principles are well known, and I need not repeat them.

During the eventful period I have had the honor to enjoy a seat in Parliament, I have never blindly attached myself to any Minister; but have, as the Representative of an important constituency, uniformly supported those measures which seemed best calculated to maintain the honour of our great country, and to promote the comforts of the people: at the same time I have been equally solicitous for the advancement of those great interests which are so closely identified with the prosperity of your populous and industrious locality.

In the present position of political parties it seems to me to be necessary that all Friends of Conservative Principles should unite in supporting the Ministry of Lord Derby, and I am prepared to give them my independent aid, except on any measure which may have for its object the re-imposition of a Duty on Foreign Corn, to which the general feeling of the Country appears to be opposed.

At the Termination of the Session I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity of personally assuring you that I am, with feelings of gratitude and esteem,

Your faithful and obliged Servant,

JOHN BENBOW.

Mecklenburgh Square, 21st June, 1852.

This Political (snug) Meeting followed—

At a Meeting of the Electors of Dudley friendly to the re-election of John Benbow, Esq., as Member for the Borough, held at the Hotel in Dudley, on Thursday, the first day of July, 1852.

Present:—Thomas Badger, Esq., Isaac Badger, Esq., Thomas Fereday, Esq., The Rev. Dr. Browne, Rev. E. H. L. Noot, Rev. A. G. Davis, Messrs. Bateman, Best, Bourne, Barrows, W. Bourne, Bishton, Brettell, Capewell, Henry Coldicott, Cox, E. Dudley, England, J. Haines, Homer, William Haden, John Jones, jun., Kendrick, Maughan, Passmore, Reynaud, R. Smith, E. F. Smith, Self, Tilley, Vanes, Walker, and others. Thomas Badger, Esq., in the Chair.

The Address of Mr. Benbow to the Electors of the date of the 21st June last having been read—

Resolved unanimously:—That in the opinion of this Meeting, Mr. Benbow has a fair claim to the suffrages of the Electors, and that as there is generally throughout the Country a difference of opinion on the subject of Free Trade, Mr. Benbow should be left unfettered and at liberty to exercise his unbiassed judgment on that point.

Resolved:—That the Gentlemen attending this Meeting be a Committee for conducting the Election of Mr. Benbow, with power to add to their number.

Resolved:—That these resolutions be printed and published, and a copy thereof transmitted to each Elector.

THOS. BADGER, Chairman.

Resolved:—That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to the Chairman for his conduct in the Chair.

Then came the tug of political warfare.

FREEDOM IS EVERY MAN’S BIRTHRIGHT.

An Appeal to the Conscientious Electors of the BOROUGH DUDLEY.

The political torpor in which you have been lying has been partially aroused; a sense of the opprobrium you incur by your ignoble apathy, has spurred you to action; the spirit of tyranny displayed by the Church’s iniquitous attempt to impose an unjustifiable tax, has awakened your just indignation, and contempt of their mercenary spirit, that cloaks itself under the pretext of honourably supporting their institution for the welfare of the poor man, whom they would rob of that, of which the honest sweat of his brow has been productive; but this attempt has been foiled, the concocters of the tyrannous rate have been successfully defeated, you have with success combatted and effectually resisted the attempt of overbearing and rapacious Churchmen.

It is but fair to presume that now the public spirit has once been excited, no inconsiderable barrier will stem its course: one object has been achieved and a second will, with an accession of strength, be attempted. Your feelings of execration are excited against a system of representation so corrupt, as that professing to be by the voice of the majority of Electors, when, at the same time, it is merely by the influence of one, who in consequence of his position, wields a despotic rule over you,—vaunted free and independent Electors.

Let us boldly assert our independence, and scorn to be swayed by the interested views of one, whose only title to consideration is the fact of his being an extensive Landowner, who seems to be lamentably deficient of that benevolence and philanthropy, of those elevated sentiments and disinterested views, which should characterize one in his position. Is a man whose silence would bespeak a mind insensible to the responsibility, under which he is lying, as the representative of an enlightened people, is such a man calculated to express the voice of this free, independent and extensive Borough? Is not the name of one of the most industrious and enterprising of the free towns of England almost buried in oblivion in the proceedings of that highly venerated body which is the glory of every English Patriot?

Alas! such is the painful fact!

Ye, who are foremost and most interested in these momentous affairs, hurl defiance at the unjustifiable assumption of power, which the landed proprietor will again endeavour to employ to further his own views. Act like free men. Boldly face the current, which by one united effort you will be able effectually to resist.

Free Men of Dudley, abhor that monopoly of influence, that has so long characterized your past elections; by your own strenuous exertions send as your legislator one who shall advocate the principles of enlightened progress. If the attempt be not made, nothing will be achieved, devote your energy to the one grand object of obtaining a faithful representative, and success will inevitably crown your noble magnanimity,

Yours earnestly,

A PATRIOT.

July 12th, 1852.

It became apparent at once that Mr. Benbow would again be called upon on the hustings to give us some incoherent account of his stewardship, for the Liberal and Independent voters were determined to bring out a thorough Radical against him. The Anti-Church party being also very wrath at the result of the recent Church Rate contests.

A Mr. James Baldwin, Paper Merchant, of Birmingham, was the chosen champion honoured with the privilege of doing battle on this occasion, and the wondering and peace-loving denizens of the town were one morning startled with the rapid drive into the town of a pair of high-bred steeds, with a light waggon laden with hand-bills, announcing the candidature of Mr. James Baldwin, “Free Trade and no Church Rates.” Our feeble old member could be seen “taking his walks abroad” daily in our midst, consulting with his old friends, Tom, Isaac, and Richard, on the ugly look out upon passing events, bitterly complaining of the ingratitude and desertion of some once loving friends and ardent supporters. Canvassing in those days was undertaken by gentlemen and tradesmen, not by “Loafers and hangers on,” called canvassing agents; and in those days some certainty could be arrived at as to the result of the poll. Our old erratic friend, Samuel, was up early and late using his loquacious eloquence amongst the ignorant and thoughtless voters, whilst Church and Dissent strained every nerve to bring its quota of “Free and Independent Voters” to the poll.

TO THE “INDEPENDENT” ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

The Member has at last spoken—the nominee of my Lord Ward has opened his mouth—and his lordship’s lump of Political Capital, Mr. John Benbow, of Mecklenburgh Square, is prepared to shew to all comers that a cypher in St. Stephen’s may at least be somebody in the Borough of Dudley.

And should we not be grateful to our “Right Honourable” for the legislative present he has made and is still willing to make us? When we consider that his Lordship, if he so willed it, would make the “calling and election sure” of his groom in this Independent Borough, ought we not to be grateful that our degradation is no deeper? Should we not rather rejoice that our political Jupiter, instead of giving us a Stork, has, in the plenitude of his condescension, kindly thrown us a “Log?”

And is it not delightful to contemplate the Honourable Gentleman’s Parliamentary career?—his exemplary discharge of his duties—his punctual attendance in the House—the undying eloquence of his speeches—the constancy of his name in the Division List?—Indeed, so admirable is his conduct in these respects, that it may be said they form the exact measure of his political ability.

How kindly too has our “worthy member” cooked his address “To the Electors of Dudley?” With what delicate tact has he avoided the usual term “Independent?” This would, indeed, have been severe, and in our present abject state the “unkindest cut of all:” but he goes through the farce with an amiable make-believe which is really refreshing to behold. “His political opinions are well known to us”—God help us; so they are. He “will not seek to re-impose a Duty on Corn.” How magnanimous!—a return to protection is impossible, therefore Mr. Benbow won’t attempt it. How thankful we ought to be! Mr. Benbow will support Lord Derby’s administration—but where are the political opinions of the noble Earl?—Echo answers—where? They have been stifled in the atmosphere of Downing Street! Once “the Rupert of Debate”—bold, fiery, impetuous, but without a stain on his honour—he has, since the advent of his present official career, condescended to become the “Artful Dodger” of politics; carried to power as a Protectionist, and treacherous to the principle by which he obtained it—his subsequent career has betrayed a succession of miserable expedients. Firm, even to obstinacy, when “Stanley was the cry,” the “great” Earl of Derby is now the veriest political weathercock of modern times—in fine, he has done more in the short space of a single session to destroy confidence in public men, than all the political Apostates of the present century.

With these facts before us—can it be really true that the political influence of an important manufacturing town like Dudley, lies prostrate at the feet of a man, who appears to feel as much interest in the moral and social well-being of the district from which he derives his immense wealth, as he does for the natives of Timbuctoo. Is the decay of public spirit so manifest that not a blow can be struck for the emancipation of the Borough? Are there not a few good men to be found in this political Nazareth who, for the honour of human nature, and the sake of human progress, will come forward and manfully assert the principle of political independence? With such men I should be proud to combine; and though we might be only leading the forlorn hope of a better state of things—we should at least discharge our duty amid circumstances disgraceful in an age of feudalism, but a perpetual reproach to the institutions of the nineteenth century.

AN ELECTOR.

Market Place, Dudley, June 30, 1852.

Mr. Baldwin’s subjoined address was considered somewhat “peppery hot and strong,” but “not sweet,” for it lacked some of those nice turned sentences about “Civil and Religious Liberty,” and “Church and State,” which catch the eye and please the fancy.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

Having been solicited to offer myself as a Candidate to represent you in the next Parliament, I have deemed it my duty to comply with the request. In offering myself to your notice, I think it right to state my views, with which I believe many of you will be acquainted, as they are views which I have entertained and avowed for many years. I am an advocate of FREE TRADE to the utmost extent.

I am an advocate for the Shortening of the Duration of Parliaments, Complete Suffrage, Protected by the Ballot, and an appropriation of Members in proportion to Population. I am for the ABOLITION OF CHURCH RATES! and entire Religious Freedom. I am an advocate for the greatest economy in our national expenditure, and strongly opposed to our interfering in the affairs of other Nations; and believing the Military Bill passed by the present Government an ill-advised and unnecessary measure, if elected I will vote for its repeal!

I am an advocate of EDUCATION, and I think the best means to obtain it would be to remove from the Press all taxes which would reduce the price of Newspapers and Literature generally, so as to bring it within the reach of the whole of the People.

Gentlemen, the above are in substance my political principles, which I shall be happy more fully to explain when I appear before you as a Candidate for your suffrages, and shall be glad to give, on that occasion, whatever further information you may require.

I remain, Gentlemen,

Your obedient Servant,

JAMES BALDWIN.

Committee Room, July 6th, 1852.

The nomination day arrived in due course, and each side marshalled its force of electors and non-electors to hear the speeches, see the farce, and join in the banter and fun of the day. This election, however, was different in respectability from the last miserable show of Chartistism; because both candidates were gentlemen, and in their individual position men of high moral character and standing, which cannot always be reported about Dudley candidates for Parliamentary honours.

The election came off July 8th, 1852, with a few black eyes and damaged hats, and the result was,—

Mr. Benbow, Conservative400

Mr. Baldwin, Liberal231

——

Majority for Mr. Benbow169

Thus it was that Mr. Baldwin trotted back to Birmingham (rather crest-fallen) with his paper waggon and fiery steeds, whilst Mr. Benbow, the member (not of the electors of Dudley), returned to his books and his papers in Mecklenburgh Square, London.

Died July 22nd, 1852, Mr. John Holland, Builder and Contractor, Dudley. This melancholy death took place suddenly in a fit at a gipsy party. Aged 58 years.

Died August 18th, 1852, Sergeant Paine, an old Peninsular soldier, having hung himself in a fit of insanity. Aged 64 years.

September 15th, 1852. Died at Walmer Castle, that most illustrious commander and hero, the great Duke of Wellington, of an epileptic fit, in the 84th year of his age, universally regretted by the whole world. The nation gave the Duke a public funeral on November 18th, 1852. His remains were laid in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

TO THE INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.

Thursday next, the 18th instant, being the day appointed to inter the remains of the late illustrious DUKE OF WELLINGTON, I respectfully request that the tradesmen of Dudley participating in the general national feeling, will testify their respect for the memory of that distinguished individual by the CLOSURE OF THEIR SHOPS.

E. L. CRESSWELL, Mayor.

Dudley, November 15th, 1852.

This Great National Burial was observed in Dudley with due solemnity, all the shops being closed.

Died November 11th, 1852, Mr. Thomas Marsh, Fender and Fire Stove Manufacturer at the Burnt Tree Works, greatly esteemed and respected by both his numerous workmen and a large circle of friends. Aged 75 years.

December 20th, 1852. The Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway was opened this day, from Wolverhampton via Dudley to Evesham (41½ miles in length), on the Broad Gauge. A public dinner took place at the hotel to celebrate the occasion.

1853. The former Church Rate heat and fever had subsided into sober reason at this time; hence this humbled and subdued appeal to the parish.

TO THE RATE-PAYERS AND INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.

We are about to ask at your hands a Rate of Three Pence in the Pound, for the requisite Annual Expenses of the Parish and two District Churches, (St. John and St. James). As it is anticipated that the Government will set this question at rest in the next Session of Parliament, we trust that no unkind feeling will be entertained towards us on this, we hope, FINAL occasion of appealing to our friends and fellow parishioners. We are equally anxious to do our duty, and to preserve the peace of the Parish, and, whilst we solicit the assistance of our friends, we deprecate the hostility of those parties, who, if placed in our position, would find themselves legally compelled to adopt the same line of conduct.

J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,

SAMUEL PRICE, DANIEL JORDAN,

Vicar.

} Churchwardens.

May 10th, 1853.

March, 1853. The Small Tenements’ Act of the 13th and 14th Vict. had for some time received serious consideration at the hands of some of the most thoughtful ratepayers as to its adoption in this Parish. A public meeting was held recommending the immediate adoption of the Act, when it was shewn that £2,500 per annum would be saved to the poor rates by such a procedure. The poor rates for Dudley parish during the last three years had been four shillings in the pound, for 2,347 houses were excused payment, and, as the general trade of the town and district was in a shockingly depressed state, we had 1,536 houses void. Under this Small Tenements’ Act, all houses rated to the poor and highway rates (and rated at under £6 per annum) were to be paid for by the owners not occupiers as hitherto. The owners of small tenements had previously held properties which paid no rates at all, inasmuch as their tenants were too poor to pay them, and got put themselves upon the excused list; but it was found out that the rapacious owners reaped the benefit, by compelling the poor tenants to pay them a bigger rent, because they were excused paying rates. When the large employers of labour became incensed at this unfair taking the burden from off the backs of landlords and placing it upon them, or anyone else who grumbled and paid, it soon became a settled opinion that the Act must be adopted, so that we had a three days’ poll of the whole parish on March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, held in the Vestry at St. Thomas’ Parish Church, to determine this vexed contest.

What is the Meaning of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act?

A FEW FACTS—For Poor Working Men!

A Bill has been circulated by Gentlemen opposed to the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, many of them Owners of Small Houses, all of them being desirous of being considered “The Poor Man’s Friend!”

In what does their Friendship consist?

They say Small Houses are not profitable;—they assert that they never get half their Rents. Is this true—or is this Libel upon our honest character the best proof they could offer that they are the Poor Man’s Foes?

When sickness or distress has overtaken you, or trade been bad and employment scarce, so that you have been prevented meeting their demands for Rent, which in most cases yields them, from 10 to 15 per cent. upon their outlay—how do they show their Friendship towards you? A small voice says, by sending the Bailiffs,—meaning, no doubt, the “Poor Man’s Friends.”

Again, ask them to improve—nay, even to limewash your ill-ventilated and miserable dwellings,—like the “Poor Man’s Friends” in general, they reply, they can’t afford it.

Ask them for a supply of that all-important blessing, “good water” and like “Poor Man’s Friends,” though you tell them it will not cost them a penny a week, they feelingly reply, “Oh, yes! you can have it, by allowing me to put twopence a week on your Rent!”

They are about to feel for you in reference to the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Act. The present law compels the Overseers to summons you before the Magistrates for the non-payment of every rate granted, consequently putting you to serious trouble and expense.

The New Tenements’ Act compels them, instead of you, to pay the Poor and Highway Rates, and allows them to compound for half the amount rated; thus again showing their friendship for you, knowing that the adoption of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act will injure their interests, but benefit yours.

But turn a deaf ear to their Hypocritical Friendship, for, like Shylock, they will have their “pound of flesh.”

A few words to the Operative Classes, that are now, and, probably have been for years past, Ratepayers. You have, with that forethought which characterises the operative classes of this country, succeeded in making provision for sickness, old age, and death, by joining Provident Societies, and other Institutions of which this country abounds; consequently, you never expect to partake of that fund which the present law makes you pay to, in the shape of Poor Rates.

Then, I ask, is there not something required, when thousands of the labouring classes of your parish, equally as able were they only prudent and careful, who, when out of employment or sick, fall back upon a fund that the present unequal law compels you to subscribe to.

No appeal is necessary to make the fact apparent to you, that the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act will tend to operate to the benefit of the Rate-paying interest of this over-taxed Parish.

Again, there is nothing visionary in the matter, it is plain and simple; evidences of its true benefits are visible right and left—Rowley and Sedgley.

Therefore, be prepared to attend the Poll at the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next; and honestly, fearlessly, and independently register your votes in favour of the Small Tenements’ Act, that must materially tend to benefit the poor and industrious of the Parish of Dudley.

A RATEPAYER,

One who has always cared for the Industrious Working Man!

This parish contest was not fought without much acrimony and ill-feeling, for the owners of small houses were not numerous in residence in the town, and those residing away took no interest in the matter. Result of the three days’ poll:—

For the Adoption of the Act559

Against “ “276

——

Majority for283

In concert with the action taken upon the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Act, it was deemed expedient that a new and more liberal Board of Guardians should be selected to manage our Poor Law business. Hitherto very little interest had been taken by the ratepayers in the administration of the Poor Laws in Dudley; and so long as Mr. Thomas Griffiths, a retired shoemaker and chairman of the board, chose to rule the too obsequious guardians with an ignorance of the real meaning and intention of the Poor Law Acts, it became evident that no real improvement or amelioration was likely to take place unless a new board of guardians was elected. It was also shewn that this gentleman was in the receipt of £30 a year as assistant overseer, a scandal which provoked much indignation at the time, and caused his ejection from the board at the next election.

As politics did not happily in those days enter into our parochial contests, change of public opinion resulted in change of our rulers, and the following candidates were presented for election:—

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.

Fellow Ratepayers,

In a few days you will be called upon for your vote in the appointment of a new Board of Guardians for the next year, and it is of the utmost importance that useful and efficient men should be chosen.

It is an undeniable fact that the Poor Rates of Dudley are considerably higher than in any other neighbouring Parish, and more than double what they are in Wolverhampton; and this renders it absolutely necessary that you should choose for your Guardians men who are qualified and determined to carry out the principles of economy and retrenchment with a due regard for the comfort and welfare of the poor.

Vote for the following Candidates, and thereby clear the way for a Reduction of Expenditure:—

Mr. Thomas Wood

“ Thomas Lester

“ Elliott Hollier

“ G. Thomson, (Corngreaves)

“ James Evers Swindell

Mr. John Finch

“ Josiah Collins Cook

“ C. F. G. Clark

“ S. H. Blackwell

“ Alexander B. Cochrane

A RATEPAYER.

TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.

Fellow Ratepayers,

Two Handbills have been circulated through the Parish by Order of the Anti-Small Tenement Rating Committee, of a nature which the Committee for the adoption of the Act consider most disgraceful, and such as no honorable persons would have given the sanction of their name to.

Both these Handbills charge those who have proposed the adoption of this Act with a desire to rob the Poor, by throwing their fair share of the Poor Rate upon those less able to bear it than themselves; and in one of these Handbills a “Curse is denounced upon those who rob the Poor to enrich themselves.”

Now, on behalf of themselves and those who are acting with them, the Committee for the adoption of the Act distinctly allege this charge to be false; and they as distinctly allege that those who have made it, have done so knowing it to be false.

Their reasons for wishing the adoption of this Act are the following:—

1.—They regard the Poor Law itself as one of the great bulwarks upon which the social condition of England rests,—and as one of the principal causes why England stands so pre-eminently high in general Freedom and Liberty amongst the Nations of the World.

2.—So far, therefore, from doing anything which would tend in the slightest degree to lessen the almost reverential feeling which the Committee consider that all should entertain for this most important means of provision for those who are unable to support themselves, they would rather widen, by every means in their power, the basis upon which this provision rests.

3.—While to effect this, they desire all Property to be liable to its fair amount of contribution to this great and important fund, at the same time they also desire to give relief legally to that portion of society who are really unable to contribute thereto, without subjecting them to the harassing and vexatious annoyance of Summonses. This can only be done by the introduction of The Small Tenements’ Act.

4.—Under the present system, out of 6,106 assessments, only 2,223 pay rates; under the Small Tenements’ Act all Property will pay, but the lowest class of houses need only be rated in the proportion of ONE-HALF the amount at which they are now rated.

5.—Under the present system the poor occupier who is unable to pay, can only be excused after having been summoned and appearing before the Magistrates, at a loss of time which generally more than equals the amount excused. This system of summonsing must become more and more oppressive to the poor ratepayer, and more and more expensive to the Parish, under every rate, while the present system continues.

6.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, the poor ratepayer will be saved all this trouble and expense. No summonses will be required.

7.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, the poor ratepayer will always, and under every circumstance, be relieved to an extent not exceeding ONE-HALF of the amount at which he is now rated, and that without any loss of time or annoyance whatever: and, this will be the case to the amount named, even where the Landlord charges upon the weekly rental the entire amount of the rate which he will have to pay.

8.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, a better class of houses than that now existing amongst us will be introduced; for it will be only by attention to the comforts of the Tenant that the Landlord will be able to obtain any additional weekly charge, to repay the amount of the rate which he will have to pay. This will be one of the results of the adoption of this Act, which the Committee regard as most important, and as bearing materially upon the comfort of the working classes.

9.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, no encouragement will be held out to the idle and dissolute, at the expense of the industrious and sober workmen, which is the case under the present system, undermining that independent, truthful, and manly character which the Englishman should ever be most proud of, since it is that one of his national characteristics which has given to him the proud position which he now holds.

These, Fellow Ratepayers, are the reasons which induced the Committee to propose the adoption of this Act, and which lead them still to believe that while it will be to the advantage of all classes, it will be of the greatest advantage to the poorer classes. You ought to decide for yourselves as to the claim which these reasons for its adoption have upon your judgment and support, from their own intrinsic merit or demerit alone, and not from personal considerations having reference to the character of those who support or oppose the introduction of this Act.

If, however, the Parish is to be insulted by such disgraceful Handbills as those to which allusion has been made, the Committee will not shrink from the challenge thus given, and they call upon you to declare by your Vote, whether you place the greatest confidence in the integrity of purpose, the disinterestedness of motive, and the honour of the Gentlemen whose names were attached to the Requisition to the Ratepayers, advising the adoption of the Act—or in those who thus endeavour to raise the bitterest feelings of animosity and hatred, by assertions, as disgraceful in their object as they are false in fact.

The Committee have no other motive to influence them than an earnest and faithful desire, firstly, that the Poor Rates shall be collected upon a principle of justice, including all Property, but relieving to a great extent that property which is of the lowest class. Secondly, that the administration of the Poor Rates, both in their collection and subsequent distribution, shall be governed by that true English feeling which, whilst it willingly alleviates the suffering of the destitute, yet honours most of all the self-supporting workman who disdains the relief sought for by the idle and improvident: and lastly, that that state of things shall be put a stop to in this Parish, which has brought upon it the fearful notoriety of being described by the Board of Health as “the Town in which the work of human extermination is carried on more successfully than in any other part of England and Wales.”

They do not hesitate in expressing the conviction that the adoption of this Act must lead to the erection of a better class of houses, to greater attention on the part of the Landlord to the comfort of the Tenant, and to a higher tone of character in the people; and they are confident that when its operation has been fairly tested, the best thanks of the Parishioners will be awarded to them for the course they have now adopted, and which they are resolved to carry out, in defiance of the prejudices and narrow views of their opponents.

Signed on behalf of

The Small Tenements’ Rating Committee,

S. H. BLACKWELL,

Chairman.

Dudley, March 23rd, 1853.

April 5th, 1853. This unprecedented severe contest for the Election of Guardians took place with the following results—

Elected. Mr. Isaac Badger, Messrs. E. Hollier, S. H. Blackwell, Thos. Lester, A. B. Cochrane, Thos. Wood, G. B. Walker, Jos. Guest, J. E. Swindell, J. C. Cook.

May 9th, 1853. A very heavy fall of snow this morning, with intense cold weather, which did a vast amount of harm to vegetation and health in the land.

Died, May 11, 1853, Mr. Chas. F. Hewitt, Wine and Spirit Merchant, a gentleman who took a strong lead in politics on the Tory side, and was universally respected. Aged 50 years.

May 14th, 1853. An awful loss of life was occasioned this day at one o’clock by the explosion of the engine boiler belonging to Mr. Davis, Fender Maker, in the Minories. Four men were taken out of the ruins dead, many more were severely maimed and wounded, and the unfortunate Engineer was blown above one hundred yards into the air, and fell through the roof of a house near, smashed to pieces. At the Coroner’s inquest much blame was attached to the owner, “for working at too high a pressure an old boiler, acknowledged to be in bad repair.”

Whitsuntide. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Dudley Lime Stone Caverns were again lighted up with gas, proving another pecuniary success.

Government School of Art, 1853. There was no district in the United Kingdom at this period which needed the establishment of a branch of the Government School of Art more than Dudley. Surrounded as we are by almost every kind of mechanical art, it had long been felt that a technical training in drawing, designing, and the general art and engineering culture, was a desideratum much needed. The town and district were greatly indebted at this time to the efforts made to secure these advantages by Dr. Browne, Vicar, S. H. Blackwell, Esq., A. B. Cochrane, Esq., Edwin Dudley, Esq., and others, who speedily raised a handsome subscription to enlarge the King Street National School Rooms, and established a most valuable and flourishing Government School of Art. Long may this excellent institution maintain its high reputation and prestige. The first appointments were, Lord Ward, the President, Dr. Browne, Vice-President and Chairman, Samuel H. Blackwell, Esq., Hon. Secretary, First Master Mr. Robert Cochrane.

The Sanitary Board having been imposed upon this Borough, nolens volens, necessitating the extinction and oblivion of the Old Town Commissioners, who had become quite incompetent to deal with the shamefully unsanitary condition of the Borough, caused quite a commotion and flutter amongst all classes of the inhabitants. The scare, alleging the enormous increase of the Rates in the Parish, which would be the result of this dreaded movement, induced many people to use their utmost influence to endeavour to secure such a Board as would make its stringent and sweeping Clauses harmless and inoperative. Men of property in the Parish looked with alarm upon any interference with the rights of property; although the recent enquiry before Mr. Lee had incontestably shewn the immediate necessity for a Sanitary Reform in the Parish. That startling enquiry and inspection of the Parish had taken place in August, 1851, yet the application of the Act had been staved off till now, June, 1853; and had not some of the most intelligent and independent ratepayers insisted upon its introduction in the Parish, the disgraceful, filthy, and insanitary state of things would have continued to an indefinite period.

The first thing to be done was the election of a Local Board of Health, and to the common sense of the ratepayers and the credit of the Town, be it recorded, that the first elected Board was composed of fifteen of the most clear-headed, independent, and true friends of the Parish that could possibly have been selected. As a matter of course, this novel and important Election could not be allowed to take place, without the usual exhibition of the “Curiosities of Dudley.”

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

To the Ratepayers of the Parish of Dudley.

Fellow Ratepayers,

The Public Health Act being extended to the Parish of Dudley, you will in a few days be called upon to elect proper persons, as a Local Board, to carry out its provisions.

As it will necessarily entail a very heavy expense on the Parish, it is of the utmost importance that those persons should be elected who will faithfully discharge the weighty duties of their office, with a due regard to ECONOMY IN THE EXPENDITURE OF THE PARISH FUNDS.

Vote, then, for the following Fifteen Candidates (nominated by Messrs. Blackwell and Cochrane), who, if elected, will carefully guard the interests of the Ratepayers, and carry out the provisions of the Act at the least possible expense:—

Mr. Samuel Holden Blackwell

“ Elliott Hollier

“ Thomas Wood

“ Josiah Collins Cook

“ Alexander Brodie Cochrane, Jun.

The Rev. Dr. Browne

Mr. Thomas Lester

“ Alexander Patterson

Mr. John Finch

“ William Chrysostom Wood

“ William Timmins

“ Richard Smith

“ Edward Dixon, the younger

“ James Evers Swindell

“ George Thomson (Corngreaves)

A Ratepayer.

Dudley, 13th June, 1853.

N.B.—As ONLY Fifteen persons can be elected, any Ratepayer Voting for more than that number will lose the whole of his Votes. The Voting Paper must be carefully preserved by the Voter, as no second Paper will be given. When filled up it must be kept ready for delivery to the Distributor, who will call for it on TUESDAY, the 21st Instant, and who is the only person authorised to receive the same.

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

TO THE RATE-PAYERS OF DUDLEY.

Fellow Ratepayers,

The most important Suffrage since the passing of the Reform Bill has lately been conferred upon the Rate-Payers of Dudley, by the introduction of the “Health of Towns Act;” and you are now called upon to Elect Fifteen fit and proper Persons to carry out the provisions of this salutary Measure. This day you have had 40 Names submitted to your notice, as parties wishful to have the management of the affairs of this Parish confided to them, and it now behoves you carefully to consider who and what class of masters shall rule over you! A cursory glance at the List of Names nominated for your approval, clearly shows that some are incapacitated from age and non-residence to attend to your interests, and others want the essential qualities of a practical knowledge of the working of the Act.

Recollect, fellow Rate-payers, that £25,000 may shortly be at the disposal of your elected Rulers, and this sum, too, will have to come out of the pockets of the Rate-payers!

Improvements we want, but we must be careful to whom, we trust these large powers to make those Amendments. Let us then elect a Class of Commissioners whom we know to be of honest purpose, independence of character, quickness of perception, mindful of the judicious improvements of the Town, as well as of the Pockets of the Rate-payers, and possess a conscientious determination to attend personally to the duties of this important office.

Beware, then, of committing yourselves to party purposes,—political tendencies—family cliques—or honorary and never attending members. Bear in mind that it is a very common practice to escape from one set of inefficient Rulers into the arms of another, often professedly more liberal but usually more tyrannical and inadequate to the duties they profess to fulfil,—past experience, in Dudley, teaches the necessity of this caution to the Ratepayers. Have practical, honest, business-like men, who will be fearless and judicious in the discharge of their duties, and spend your money as carefully as though it were their own. Recollect, that men who have something tangible to lose are the most likely to be careful about the spending of that fund which they will have heavily to pay to.

On Tuesday next you will be called upon for the Voting Paper left at your houses, write your Initials at once opposite the following names on the Voting Paper, and you will thereby elect such a Board of intelligent and responsible Commissioners, as will improve the Town and save your Pockets.

VOTE FOR

Mr. S. H. Blackwell, Iron-Master, High Street.

“ Elliott Hollier, Chemist, High Street.

“ J. C. Cook, Ironmonger, High Street.

“ Thomas Wood, Spirit Merchant, High Street.

“ A. B. Cochrane, Iron-Master, Woodside.

Rev. Dr. Browne, Vicar, Vicarage.

Mr. Thomas Lester, Spirit Merchant, Queen Street.

“ C. F. G. Clark, Druggist, Queen Street.

“ Edward Terry, Jun., Tea Dealer, Market Place.

“ Richard Smith, Agent, Priory.

“ James Evers Swindell, Iron-Master, Woodside.

“ William Haden, Iron-Master, Dixon’s Green.

“ Edward Grainger, Draper, Market Place.

“ John Renaud, Glass-Master, Tower Street.

“ W. C. Wood, Grocer, High Street.

A FREEHOLDER AND RATEPAYER.

Dudley, June 16th, 1853.

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

To the Ratepayers of Dudley.

Gentlemen,

The Clerk of the Quackery establishment, with his usual “quickness of perception, honest purpose, and independence of character,” has thought proper at this particular season to address you on “the essential qualities and practical knowledge of the Public Health!” IT NOW BEHOVES YOU CAREFULLY TO CONSIDER “what class of Quackery you ought to support, so that YOUR MONEY MAY BE SPENT AS CAREFULLY AS IF IT WERE YOUR OWN.” Recollect, THAT MEN WHO HAVE SOMETHING TANGIBLE TO LOSE are the men most likely to be careful of the same.

£25,000 will have to come out of your pockets shortly (so says the Clerk), for “the judicious improvements of the Town,” and fifteen conscientious and determined Commissioners must be chosen.

Beware, then, of self-interested partisans,—political turncoats, and troublesome quacks—“past experience in Dudley teaches the necessity of this caution to Ratepayers.”

A LOOKER-ON.

Dudley, 16th June 1853.

The Unitarian Chapel, 1853. This Chapel is situated in a retired arched gateway, in Wolverhampton Street, adjoining the old Post Office. It was originally built in 1701; but that structure unhappily shared the fate of many other Nonconformist Chapels, destroyed under Dr. Sacheverell’s fanaticism against Dissenters, for in 1714, it was burnt down by a lawless mob, but was shortly afterwards re-built by a Parliamentary Grant of £500. This comfortable and commodious chapel has been much improved and ornamented since that period, and it now seats 450 worshippers. There is also an excellent school attached to this denomination, known as Daniel Parsons’ Foundation School, having 150 children therein, under the able tuition of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. The life of Dr. Sacheverell reveals the impression that he was a learned madman, whose craze was to preach “the Church in Danger,” and that dissent ought to be stamped out by fire and persecution. He was appointed preacher at St. Saviour’s Church, Southwark, London, in 1705, where he preached his violent crusade against Dissenters, which commanded much attention at the time. For his intemperate language, both in and out of the pulpit, he got impeached by the House of Commons, and was suspended preaching for three years, but through some powerful Court influence, he eventually managed to get appointed to the valuable Rectory of St. Andrew’s, Holborn, London, where he died in 1724. During this period of our history, the Rev. John Palmer, B.A., of Trinity College, Dublin, was appointed on February 18th, 1833, the minister of this highly intelligent and wealthy congregation. Mr. Palmer was a gentleman of great mental power, and was a good and pleasant preacher, and during the nineteen years he held this appointment he secured the esteem and regard of all good citizens. Mr. Palmer, like many of his countrymen, was a very energetic politician, and his often expressed Radical opinions at times shocked the nervous sensibility of his friends. However, after 19 years of great zeal and energy in the sacred cause he had undertaken to uphold and propagate, we find him suddenly transformed into an officer of the Crown, for in 1853, he was appointed Crown Treasurer in the Island of Dominica, whither he departed, being succeeded after a time by the Rev. Richard Shaen, M.A., who only remained a few years as minister. Some of our “oldest inhabitants” are in possession of relics and curiosities of the old burnt chapel, in the form of oaken stands and curious boxes made from the ponderous oak timbers, which were not entirely consumed in the conflagration of the chapel. The Rev. Mr. Gibson is the present genial and courteous minister. The Election for the first Local Board of Health took place on June 23rd, 1853, with the following results:

Dudley Local Board of Health.—The election of this board was brought to a close on Thursday last, and the result is as follows, the first fifteen being elected:—Dr. Browne, 1,227; S. H. Blackwell, 1,161; E. Hollier, 1,135; A. B. Cochrane, 981; R. Smith, 974; T. Lester, 951; J. C. Cook, 887; J. E. Swindell, 872; I. Badger, 870; W. O. Wood, 848; E. Dixon, 844; A. Patterson, 841; G. Thompson, of Corngreaves, 812; T. Badger, jun., 801; J. G. Walker, 793; J. Finch, 754; E. Feny, 725; W. Haden, 676; T. Griffiths, 671; W. Timmins, 633; W. Harrison, 625; E. F. Smith, 615; E. L. Cresswell, 586; J. Renaud, 504; C. Cartwright, 495; J. Marsh, 491; J. Bagott, 485; T. Danks, 471; J. Owen, 466; T. Fereday, 374; J. Guest, 246; W. Harper, 121; D. Lloyd, 117; C. F. G. Clark, 113; W. Sheppard, 105. From an inspection of the list elected, it will be seen that, with few exceptions, the ratepayers have chosen the board from the most active and intelligent members of the Board of Guardians and the late Board of Highways and Town Act Commissioners, and we hope to see the “Health Act” now carried out in Dudley in its integrity, with advantage to the general social condition of the inhabitants, and with due regard to the pockets of the ratepayers.—Birmingham Journal.

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.

The Board, in entering upon the important duties entrusted to them by the Ratepayers, have earnestly to request the co-operation of their fellow parishioners in carrying out the objects for which they have been appointed. They invite suggestions, and solicit information, and their Officers will give immediate attention to any subject directly or indirectly connected with the Public Health.

OFFICERS.

Mr. William Henry Brooke, Solicitor, Wolverhampton Street, has been appointed Clerk to the Board, and all general communications should be addressed to him.

Mr. John Bateman, Wolverhampton Street, has been appointed Surveyor,—and

Mr. John Castree, Railway Parcels Office, Wolverhampton Street, Inspector of Nuisances.

All communications respecting these two departments of the Board should be addressed to these Officers respectively.

The BOARD take this opportunity of announcing that in enforcing the large and searching powers and directions of the Public Health Act, they shall be always desirous of avoiding, as much as possible, any compulsory interference with the management of property, and any unnecessary intrusion on the privacy of the parishioners. But that extensive inspection and inquiry will be unavoidable, since the state of drainage of every house must be ascertained, in order to be rendered perfect. Interference, however, and compulsion will, in every case, be less in proportion as the parishioners shall themselves kindly co-operate in bringing about that better state of sanitary arrangement which the Act requires, and which is so essential to the public health and welfare.

By Order of

The Local Board of Health, Dudley;

W. H. BROOKE,

Clerk to the said Board.

Dudley, August 2nd, 1853.

The following appeal to the Churchmen in this town was attended with success—

Dudley, July 8th, 1853.

Sir,

The adjourned Meeting of the Inhabitants of this Parish to take into consideration the best means to be adopted for the liquidation of the Salaries of the Officers, and other debts, (amounting according to the accounts presented at the last meeting to nearly £800), due in respect of the Churches of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. James, will be held in the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, on Wednesday morning next, the 13th instant, at Eleven o’clock, when your attendance is respectfully and particularly requested.

Signed,

T. FEREDAY, E. HOLLIER,

} Ex-Wardens of St. Thomas’s.

Died, November 3rd, 1853, Mr. Geo. Bailey, Senior, formerly a Grocer and Provision Dealer, in New Street. Aged 79 years.

Died November 18th, 1853, Mrs. Henry Parkes, of Wolverhampton Street. Aged 44 years.

December 26th, 1853. A very heavy fall of snow took place this day, and continued at intervals until January 11th, 1854. All train and road traffic was suspended, and the snow drifts were 16 feet deep in many localities. The privations and sufferings amongst the poor were very great.

1854. Died January 20th, Mr. John Rann, of Hall Street, Printer. This wonderful and active old man was known to be the oldest man in Dudley, having attained the age of 98 years.

January, 1854. A new Organ was erected in St. Edmund’s Church, at a cost of £360. This sum was raised by public subscription, and the highly-esteemed Rev. Jno. Davies, M.A., was the Incumbent of the Church at the time.

January, 1854. The Metropolitan Association for the Improvement of the Dwellings of the Poor, was adopted in Dudley with much eclat. Dr. Browne was appointed Chairman, and Mr. Wm. Barns, Solicitor, Secretary, with a powerful and influential Committee. February 1st, 1854. This day a deputation of Church attendants at St. Edmund’s Church presented the Rev. A. Kerr Thompson, M.A., Master of the Dudley Grammar School, with an address from the congregation thanking him for his services as Evening Lecturer in that Church.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ELECTION!!!

February 11th, 1854. A very sharp contest took place this day for South Staffordshire, betwixt Lord Paget and Lord Ingestre, which ended in a majority of 1568 votes for Lord Paget, the Liberal Candidate. Lord Ward, a Conservative by induction, who can command this constituency, by some unexplained reason, threw the whole of his weight and influence into the hands of the Liberals, hence the result of the election. We had again another pitiable exhibition of territorial influence in Dudley and elsewhere, ordering to “do as you are bid,” leading the liege vassals to do battle in a cause which it was too well-known that all utterly abhorred.

LOOK ON THIS PICTURE.

Once upon a time there lived in Staffordshire a noble Lord. Among other possessions he held the lordship of a Manor close by his residence; it was, however, but a barren dignity, as the Manor was all common and waste land. However, he got an act of Parliament for enclosing the waste lands, and inserted a clause reserving all Mines to himself, should there prove to be any. Well, in time this Manor became built over. Many working men out of their savings put up houses for themselves, and the place became very populous. The old lord died; and the next Lord, who was very young, thought Staffordshire a very nasty place, so he went to Italy and foreign parts to enjoy himself, and there revelled in luxury and extravagance. Fortunately for this Lord, his Agents found Mines under nearly all that Manor, and as their master’s wants were great, they opened all the Mines they could. But the Working Men, who had built their houses upon the surface? Row after row of houses split and cracked, and became ruins; some houses sank into the earth—it seemed as if some convulsion of nature had passed over this manor. Many poor workmen were ruined, for they had borrowed money to assist them in building their houses, and when the mortgagees found their value was destroyed, they sold them for what they would fetch. Others went to his Lord’s Agents and begged of them to leave ribs and pillars under their houses, but they would not. Some begged the Agents to patch their houses up—but no: not a day’s labour! not a barrow of mortar! not a brick! not a tile! would this Lord’s Agents give them! And the Miners kept enlarging their circle like an encroaching sea, and those, whose dwellings were not ruined, were kept in daily dread of their little property, around which clung so many pleasant memories; where, after years of toil and care, they had fondly hoped for tranquillity in old age!

Well, this Lord with all his wealth was unhappy, he coveted an Earldom! The Election came on, and “Which Candidate,” said the noble Lord to himself, “shall I support? Why, I’ll support the one who will support Ministers, and if they win, why, my Earldom is safe!” So this Lord had an interview with Lord Aberdeen, and he turned his Coat (for before he was a Conservative), and his Agent went round and commanded all his Tenants to turn their Coats. “But,” said the Tenants, “we surely cannot support Ministers, for they have truckled to the Russian Influence, and for the first time in History, England has shown the White Feather!” But the Agent said—“Leave the Country to the noble Lord. Has he not the largest stake in it.”

LOOK ON THIS PICTURE!

Well, in Staffordshire there lived another Lord, not very rich. He was much younger than the Lord we have been speaking of. When he left school he went into the Army. Being a thoughtful lad he sat down, as it were, by the roadside of life: before him two paths branched off—the path of Luxury and the path of Duty. And Pleasure said to him—“Enjoy yourself.” But Duty replied—“Remember your poor Fellow Countrymen. Are not you one of their natural guardians? What were rank and wealth given you for?” Well, this young Lord listened to the call of Duty, and he vowed that his life should be useful.

So he began by devoting the time he could spare from his military duties to visiting the poor and wretched. By way of a start he got together a subscription of Three Thousand Pounds, and fitted up a large house in London, in which poor, houseless creatures, of whom there are thousands in London, who sleep in the streets and cellars, or whatever shelter they can find, might have a comfortable and clean bed, at a very trifling charge. He was now about twenty years of age. His occupation had become a real pleasure. He travelled much about England, and went through our large towns, and over factories, and got together all the facts he could about the state of the Working Classes. Whilst thus employed, the Engineers on the railways struck. The Directors wanted to increase their Dividends, and took away from the Engineers some privileges they had always enjoyed; but the Engineers would not stand this, so they stood out. Unskilful Engineers were set on—accidents happened; there was great confusion and alarm. Well, the Engineers looked round for an Arbitrator, and they chose one. Whom? THIS YOUNG LORD; for they had heard of him and his kind heart.

Soon after the death of the Duke of Wellington, a large sum of money was subscribed to erect a lifeless monument to his Grace. But this young Lord Ingestre proposed that the money should be spent in securing to the poor of London free Water, and their share of the light of Heaven, the common property of us all—and other Sanitary improvements, necessary to the health and strength of the working man. It was for this that the “Times Newspaper” fell foul of the young Lord, and called him a silly young medler. But many simple folks, and especially hardy sons of toil, are still of the young Lord’s opinion. I think that the Great Duke would have wished so too, could he have spoken from the tomb. But the “Times” owed Lord Ingestre a “grudge” for supporting the Engineers against the Railway Directors, and the opportunity was taken of venting their spleen.

But our young Lord had too much pluck to be set down by a Newspaper, so he just went on as before, and tried to get at the truth respecting the Working Classes, and the way to make them better off. After seeing things in England, he went to America on the same errand. Whilst there his Friends sent for him to return to England, to contest the representation of his native County against the Candidate brought forward by the Lord above spoken of, and other Lords and great folks like him. Well, when they heard he was coming, they told the poor folks all sorts of lies about the young Lord: that he was for a little loaf—that he was all for the rich—that he was against Free Trade; but, fortunately, the young Lord had time to go through the County, to see and speak to the people. And he asked them—“Is it likely that I, who have all my life been working for the Labouring Man, to secure him and his children comforts and blessings, that I am so foolish and wicked as to take away from him his bread?” And the people looked round upon the houses in ruins, and it seemed to them strange that a noble Lord should have ever thought, except at an election, of the Working Man’s good.

MEN OF STAFFORDSHIRE! Are you Englishmen? If so, why do you permit yourselves to be dictated to? Your Fathers were Free Men! Were you animated by my spirit (and I am a plain Englishman like yourselves), you would never hear of a Lord commanding the Votes of a free people.

The law says, if a poor man takes a shilling, or accepts of a glass of beer at an election, IT IS AN HEINOUS CRIME.

The law says if a noble Lord, though to secure an Earldom for himself, commands his Tenants to vote his way, IT IS NO CRIME AT ALL.

February 1st, 1854.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ELECTION.

To Richard Smith, Esq. (Mineral Agent to Lord Ward), Priory, Dudley.

Tipton, February, 2nd, 1854.

Sir,

You will, I trust, pardon me, for presuming to address you upon a matter touching the present contested Election for South Staffordshire. I refer to the public part which you are taking with regard to it. You cannot, I think, complain that your proceedings should be criticised, or that they should be brought to the bar of public opinion.

It is due to the Conservative party which you have abandoned—and to those servants and others who are under your influence and control—that you should publicly state the reasons why you have changed your colours.

It is due to the first, because they believe that the change involves political apostasy, and an undue regard to political morality. An opportunity is now afforded you of justifying the change if you can. You may give us a new chapter on Ethics, headed thus:—“a change of principles proved to be morally wrong, but politically right.”

It is due to those who are under your influence and control. You may be enabled to give a reason for them, inasmuch as they cannot give one for themselves.

But you, doubtless, had your instructions from a certain Lord, who it is said, has subscribed a large sum to the fund to defray the expenses of the Radical Candidate.

Were your instructions imperative? If so, did you remonstrate with his Lordship? Did you not urge one plea in behalf of yourself, and another for those who must act upon your bidding. Had you not sufficient independence to tell the Lord that you had been, and that you were, a Conservative; that all the influence which your office gives you had previously been thrown into the Conservative scale; that you had taught those over whom you had been placed, and those with whom you were connected, Conservative Politics; that you could not stoop so low as to undo all that you had done; that you could not ask them to act contrary to their antecedents and convictions; and that your situation was at his Lordship’s disposal. If, Sir, you had done this, you would have been honoured in your last days, and you would have been spared the reproach that has now, I regret to say, fallen upon you.

But you may say my Lord is a Peer of the Realm, that his Lordship could not act so unconstitutionally, and that you ALONE are responsible. Be it so. Then it will make your case so much the worse. You may add that you took it upon yourself to canvass his Lordship’s Agents and Tenants, and that his Lordship did not wish to INFLUENCE them in giving their Votes, then the conclusion must be that you have EXCEEDED HIS LORDSHIP’S WISHES AND INTENTIONS.

Can you deny the part you have taken in this matter? Can you gainsay the charge that those who do not CHANGE WITH YOU MERIT YOUR HIGH DISPLEASURE; and that in one instance you have shewn it so unmistakeably that one of his Lordship’s Agents, who has held his situation for a period of 16 years, with a character unsullied, has thought it due to his honour and self-respect to give up his situation rather than lick the dust?

The names of those Clergymen who are under his Lordship’s patronage, and those Gentlemen connected with his Lordship’s Estates, who have boldly stood forth and declared their principles, notwithstanding your solicitations, will be ever mentioned with regard, respect, and esteem. The reproach will not fall upon them that in an hour of temptation they fell away from those principles which they had professed, and to which they do honour.

Waiting the favour of your public reply,

I am, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

A NON-ELECTOR.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ELECTION SONG.

TUNE.—“All the Blue Bonnets.”

A RADICAL’S REAL CHARACTER.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ELECTION, 1854.

Saturday, February 11th.

FINAL CLOSE OF THE POLL.

Polling Districts.PAGET.INGESTRE.

Bilston28094

Brewood37271

Handsworth448197

Kingswinford930373

Lichfield83130

Penkridge129310

Rugeley84111

Sedgley323115

Tamworth3645

Tipton18384

Walsall223194

Wednesbury355191

Westbromwich573329

Wolverhampton641313

————

43252757

————

Majority for PAGET,1568.

Sunday, February 19th, 1854. The new organ, erected in St. Edmund’s Church, was opened this day with great preachings. The sum of £54 15s. 9d. was collected on the occasion. The organ, which was considered by competent judges to be a first-rate one, cost £360, and great praise was awarded to Messrs. C. F. G. Clark and Thomas Hughes, the Churchwardens, for their exertions in collecting the amount by voluntary subscriptions.

March 13th, 1854. Died, Mr. Justice Talfourd, at Stafford Assizes. He dropped down dead from his judge’s seat whilst addressing his charge to the grand jury. He was a humane judge, and an eminent and popular writer.

Easter, 1854. A very close and vindictive contest took place in this Parish for the election of the Board of Guardians, without either rhyme or reason. The new Liberals of the previous year’s election had secured many useful and sensible reforms in Poor Law Distribution; had introduced and carried the Small Tenements’ Act, which had given mortal offence to the Tory party, and their former dogmatical and illiterate chairman. Under such revengeful feelings, not a stone was left unturned to seek out “cause of offence,” shortcomings, etc., of the Liberal Guardians. The Tory party managed to obtain the proxy votes of the non-resident voters of the small freeholders, lately brought into the list of voters by the imposition of the Small Tenements’ Act, and thereby secured the election by over-reaching and unfair tactics.

The result of this unfair and unjust Election was a reversion of last year’s parochial decision, the Liberal Guardians were thrown out, and the old “let us rest and be thankful” Tories were elected to do further mischief.

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

To the Independent and Enlightened Ratepayers of the Parish of Dudley.

Fellow Ratepayers,

It is very likely that in the course of a few days you will again have the opportunity of Electing your part of the Board of Guardians for this Union for the coming year. As far as I can understand, an effort is to be made, and which has been in contemplation for some months past (by means of owners’ proxies, obtained in some instances I believe by not over-scrupulous means, and which in many others would never have been given to be employed in such a manner) to unseat the majority of those parties who received your support at the last election. Let us then examine for a few moments what these gentlemen have done during the past year of their Stewardship to forfeit the confidence we then reposed in them. First, they advocated and brought about the publicity of the proceedings of the Board, which had previously, notwithstanding the praiseworthy exertions of two or three of its members to the contrary, partaken somewhat of the character of a secret conclave. Secondly, the usual weekly checks for this Parish only for out-door relief has gradually diminished during the year, on an average, I should imagine from the now regularly published newspaper reports, of not less than £8 or £10 per week—next—I believe that the in-door expenses of our Workhouses are actually less at this time than when provisions were only half their present price, and less by a considerable amount per head per week than they were five or six years ago, and that the poor, both in and out, not the less cared or provided for. Fourthly, I observe that several of the gentlemen against whom this opposition is principally to be directed are amongst the most intelligent, active, business-like men of the whole Board, that they are gentlemen using their best exertions to promote the success and prosperity of the Town, anxious for its improvement, and desirous of its progress; witness their endeavours for the establishment of the Model Lodging Houses—the promotion of the scheme for the erection of a Public Hall—the alteration of the Post Office and improvement of postal accommodation—their support of the School of Design and Mechanics’ Institution, and extension of general Education—the erection of a proper Workhouse in place of our present disgraceful building, by which I doubt not our expenses will be lessened, and the comforts of its aged and infirm poor inmates at the same time increased, and by their generally evidenced desire to improve the condition of our poorer brethren, both socially and morally—thus preventing crime, obviating disease, and diminishing pauperism. Having during the past year made a continued advance in the right direction, should you be again called upon I trust that you will encourage their endeavours, and show that you appreciate their attention to your interests, by not only supporting the seven gentlemen[33] I now allude to, but also any others with whom their names may be connected in any list proposed for your sanction, by placing their names triumphantly at the head of the poll.

I am, Fellow-Ratepayers,

Yours faithfully,

A QUIET OBSERVER OF FACTS.

March, 1854.

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

To the Ratepayers of the Parish of Dudley.

You are respectfully requested to Vote for the following Ten Persons (the last on the List,) Nominated by Thomas Badger, Esq.—

Isaac Badger, Coal and Ironmaster.

Thomas Griffiths, Gentleman.

Joseph Griffin Walker, Nailmaster.

Joseph Guest, Gentleman.

Edward Fisher Smith, Mine Agent.

William Harrison, Draper.

John Aston, Mine Agent.

John Renaud, Glass Manufacturer.

Matthew Dennison, Chemist, &c.

Francis Northall, Ironmaster.

Important Notice.—As only Ten Persons can be elected, any Ratepayer Voting for more than that number will lose the Whole of his Votes. Write your Initials, at once, opposite the above Ten Names only, (which are the last Ten upon the Voting Paper,) and sign your name at the foot thereof; and then carefully preserve it (as no second paper will be given you) and deliver it to the person who left it, when he calls on Saturday, the 8th of April. If the Voting Paper is not then given, send it as early that day as possible to Mr. Shorthouse, the Clerk to the Guardians, at the Poor Law Offices, in Upper King Street. Any person qualified to Vote who shall not have received a Voting Paper, may do so on applying to Mr. Shorthouse, at his Offices as above, (not later than Saturday, the 8th of April,) and then and there fill up the same in his presence, and deliver it to him.

March 9th, 1854.

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

To the Rate-payers of the Parish of Dudley.

A Handbill having been circulated through the Parish, evidently the production of one of the “ACTIVE AND INTELLIGENT” Members of the present Board, calling upon you to elect them again as Guardians for the Parish; permit another Quiet Observer to submit a few FACTS for your consideration. You are told something about Owners’ Proxies having been obtained by unscrupulous means. Does the Gentleman allude to the hundreds of those statements, which he and his Friends by MISREPRESENTATION AND CAJOLERY obtained six months previously to the Election of the Board of Health, for the purpose of securing THEIR OWN ELECTION, or to those hundreds of similar statements which were given to the Overseers a few weeks ago by the same party! Perhaps he and some other of these active and intelligent Guardians will admit that they gave unquestionable proof of their activity, if they would kindly state the number of miles they travelled last year, in running about from street to street, and house to house to fill up the Voting Papers, which by so doing, and imposing on the Rate-payers, they Elected themselves. Having carefully watched the conduct of these parties during the last year, I find amongst the most conspicuous of their performances, the decision of the question of a Huge Union Bastile, to separate Man and Wife, Children and Parents; to a Man they have ever Voted in favour of this, and the Dudley Union will now have to pay, at the very least, £20,000 for it.

And look at what these same ACTIVE INTELLIGENCES have done for you by the Board of Health! That Board has already made and signed a Rate of ONE SHILLING AND TENPENCE in the Pound, which in a very short time you will be forced to pay; and an additional Rate is also in contemplation, which, together with two twenty-penny Poor Rates, will make 5s. 8d. in the Pound for Levies alone to pay. Among other items of reckless extravagance, the following Salaries:—Clerk to the Board, £165 per annum; Surveyor, £150 per annum; Doctor, £75 per annum; Collector, £75 per annum; Inspector of Nuisances, £120 per annum, lately increased from £40 to £120; making a total of £585; with additional extra allowance which has been paid to others to assist; and further, I am informed that to carry out the projects for Drainage, Plans, Surveys, &c., £50,000 will be required and borrowed, and the interest must be paid by draining your pockets. Next, is it fair that these SEVEN ACTIVE INTELLIGENCES shall take to themselves the credit of what the labours of the whole Board have effected in the diminution of the Expenditure, and I would ask HOW IS IT that in a time of good trade, nearly £7,000 has been spent during the past year; and WHY IS IT that under the operation of the Tenement Rating Act, from which so great things were promised us, that the Dudley Overseers have been compelled to borrow £500, and to pay the interest out of their pockets? As to Model Lodging-houses, Public Hall, School of Design, Mechanics’ Institute, &c., of which they make such boast; all very well, I reply, provided they are paid for by private enterprize, and not by PUBLIC RATES.