THE Curiosities of Dudley AND THE Black Country. (continued 8)

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

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

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

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

INVESTIGATOR.

Dudley, June 25th, 1858.

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

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

THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

To the Editor of the Dudley Times and Express.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am, yours respectfully,

“SCRUTATOR.”

Dudley, October 5th, 1858.

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

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

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

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

THE OLD TOWN HALL AND THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

To the Editor of the Dudley Times and Express.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am, your obedient servant,

C. F. G. CLARK.

Dudley, Nov. 24th, 1858.

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

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

Signed,

E. HOLLIER, Mayor.

Dudley, Wednesday, December 8th, 1858.

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

INDIAN MUTINY FUND.

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

E. HOLLIER, Mayor.

£810 collected for this fund.

Dudley, December 21st, 1858.

CHRISTMAS, 1858, ST. THOMAS’S CHURCH.

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

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

W. WIGGINTON, W. MILLWARD,

Vicar.

} Churchwardens.

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

A very numerously attended public meeting was held on December 29th, 1858, under the presidency of Elliott Hollier, Esq., Mayor, to take into consideration and determine as to the propriety of carrying into effect, or of memorialising the Poor Law Board to rescind, an order under their hand and seal of office, made and published by them, and dated the 7th day of December, 1858, such order applying to and putting in force forthwith within the said Parish the whole of a certain Act (13th & 14th Victoria, chapter 57), entitled, “An Act to prevent the holding of Vestry or other meetings in Churches, and for regulating the appointment of Vestry Clerks,” and under which order the annual salary of the Vestry Clerk for the time being has been fixed at £120, payable out of the Poor Rates. This meeting was very boisterous, severely censuring the action of the Poor Law Board, but it was no use, as the law had to take its unpalatable course.

THE DUDLEY NEW UNION WORKHOUSE.

1859. This long wanted and extensive Poor Law Establishment, was occupied early this year. The cost of the New Union House and Land, was upwards of £26,000; which had to be provided for by the four large Parishes, Dudley, Sedgley, Tipton, and Rowley Regis. The population of these four Parishes was estimated to be 130,000 souls; and the in-door paupers connected with each Parish had, up to this very necessary change, been confined in four wretched habitations, called Poor Houses, which were a thorough disgrace to the Union. The absence of all sanitary provisions and the immorality attending the benighted system of management and control, became a burning shame, and a stain upon our then local authorities. This was all happily removed when the old dens were pulled down, and a modern and more enlightened system of management was inaugurated at the New Union Workhouse. The Poor Rate at that date was two shillings in the pound; now we have to luxuriate on paying four shillings and sixpence in the pound, with our rateable assessment value increased upwards of £50,000. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall see the Workhouse.” The New House was built to contain six hundred inmates, but it has been enlarged since then, and now contains seven hundred and sixty-eight souls. Mr. Thomas Shorthouse was then the Clerk to the Dudley Union, and Mr. and Mrs. Stillard were elected the first Master and Matron in the New House.

TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION OF THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER.

Gentlemen,

A vacancy having occurred in your Parliamentary Representation, I have acceded to the request of many influential friends that I would allow myself to be placed in Nomination.

I cannot but share, as a Worcestershire man, the feelings that have been expressed to me on all sides, that the successor of Colonel Rushout ought to be, not only connected with, but a resident in the County.

Whatever my private principles may be, I cannot, under the circumstances of the moment, resist this appeal. I therefore venture to ask your confidence and your support.

To many of you I am personally known, and I shall take the earliest opportunity of endeavouring to become acquainted with you all.

While my Political Principles are Conservative, no man can be more sincerely desirous than myself to promote Progressive Improvement, both Social and Political; and as I believe these to be the sentiments of the present Ministry, I should, as your Representative, give to the Government of Lord Derby a general but independent support.

I am firmly attached to the Protestant Church of England, and anxious for the proper maintenance of her venerable fabrics, but, at the same time I am opposed to the compulsory exaction of Church Rates from those who conscientiously object to them, and I would support this principle in any measure which may be brought forward with the hope of settling this long-disputed question.

In the same spirit I would be willing to give my support to any measure which, having for its object the Improvement of our Representative system, will combine a just desire to extend popular rights with due regard to the maintenance of the Constitution.

I also attach great importance to the amendment of our Laws, and would promote any well considered attempt to effect that purpose.

I shall be ready to avail myself of every occasion to give you that explanation of my opinions upon the leading questions of the day, to which you are entitled from a Candidate for your Suffrages; and in the meantime I confidently anticipate a successful issue to the struggle in which I feel myself thus compelled to engage.

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,

Your faithful friend and obedient servant,

JOHN SLANEY PAKINGTON.

Westwood Park, Droitwich, January 28th, 1859.

Committee Room at Dudley, Swan Hotel.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION OF THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER.

Gentlemen,

During a most successful canvass, I have so frequently been requested to express my views upon the leading Topics of the day, that I believe it will be satisfactory to state more fully my opinions, which it is impossible to do personally to each Elector of so extensive a Constituency.

I unhesitatingly pledge myself to Vote for the Total Abolition of Church Rates, the only practical solution of this irritating Question.

I attach great importance to the Amendment of our Laws, but do not hesitate to say, that “Consolidation must precede Amendment.”

I am disposed to Vote for a thorough Reform in the Assessment of the Income Tax, believing it to press severely upon Industry, and to be unjust in its mode of application.

As a friend of Education, I am most anxious that every facility should be given for its more general advancement, and most assuredly will vote for the Repeal of the Duty on Paper, a Duty most obnoxious, and the greatest impediment to the diffusion of learning.

Unshackled by Party ties, and entirely independent of any individual influence, I earnestly solicit your Suffrages, and though confident of the result of this Contest, I trust the friends of the Liberal cause will not relax their exertions.

I shall continue my endeavours to become personally acquainted with each of you.

I have the honor to remain,

Your obedient Servant,

FREDERICK H. W. G. CALTHORPE.

Perry Hall, January 31st, 1859.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

MR. PAKINGTON AND PUSEYISM.

The father of Joey Grimaldi, the famous clown, was an Italian, who bore the name Delpini and followed the avocation of a dentist, in London, where it was his lot to reside in 1780, the year of Lord George Gordon’s “No Popery” riots. All foreigners then fell under suspicion as Papists and cut-throats, and the harmless tooth-drawer, when the infuriated mob were firing the dwellings of known or suspected Romanists on all sides of him, followed a custom which obtained in those days of terror, of labelling your house with an inscription signifying either devotion to Protestantism or hatred of Popery. So Delpini chalked upon his door, in the best English he could command, “Good people all take notice, dis house is a true Protestant.”

Mr. Pakington hoists the same signal, and makes proclamation, “Good people all, Electors of East Worcestershire, take notice, dis house”—videlicet, the Pakington house—“is a true Protestant, and don’t believe any insinuations to the contrary.” Delpini’s label, it is related, saved his premises from conflagration; Mr. Pakington’s will not, I imagine save him from defeat. I propose to offer a few remarks in illustration of what Mr. Pakington’s true Protestantism means, and what it has led to in his instance.

Mr. Pakington says, “Having reason to esteem the excellent private character and charitable exertions of Mr. Liddell, and consequently disapproving the abuse of which he has been the object, I could not do otherwise than vote against Mr. Westerton’s election.” I esteem the excellent private character and the charitable exertions of Mr. Pakington for the promotion of education and morality, but I shall certainly do otherwise than vote for him at the coming Election. The Pope of Rome bears an excellent private character, and is well reputed for charitable exertions. He has also been, I dare say, improperly and undeservedly abused. Recognising all this, does it furnish any reason why I should tender my adhesion to the Pope, or any excuse for my adhering to him, or favouring his religion? Mr. Westerton was put forward as Churchwarden by the party in the Church who were adverse to Mr. Liddell’s Romanising practices. As a candidate he represented the true and wholesome Protestant element in religion, as opposed to the representative of the doctrines of Auricular Confession and a Semi-Popish form of worship, just as Mr. Calthorpe represents the Liberal element in politics—the principle of progress; and Mr. Pakington the Conservative, or rather the Tory element—the principle of keeping in office by being the “humble servants to command” of the House of Commons. The contest between Mr. Westerton and Mr. Davidson was a contest between Protestantism and the Romanistic party. It was watched throughout Great Britain with the deepest interest, for it was felt that the result would be to ensure the victory of religious truth, or give a disastrous triumph to the defiled and adulterated pseudo-Protestantism—the “mongrel church,” as the Hon. and Rev. F. Baring truly called it—of Mr. Liddell and his backers. At that election the fate of the Protestant Church in England was weighed in the scales against the false doctrine, heresy, and schism of the Tractarians. Most happily for the country, most fortunately for the interests of mankind, the good cause preponderated. Tractarians kicked the beam, and all of us felt that a great mercy had been vouchsafed to the afflicted Church. But no thanks to Mr. Pakington. He flung his weight into the scale along with auricular confession, crosses, flowers, candles, images, and other play-things of Puseyism, and so far as by his voice he could, comforted and favoured the partisans of Romish observance as opposed to the purity and simplicity of Protestant Worship.

In that day—the day when Mr. Westerton was doing battle for Protestant interests with spirit and resolution worthy of a martyr—where was Mr. Pakington? Every one felt that a great crisis was impending in the history of the Church, and never was the Scriptural adage, “He that is not with me is against me,” brought more closely home to Protestant breasts than at that moment. But where was Mr. Pakington? Not merely was he not with us; he was arrayed openly against us, and it might have been his vote, for aught he knew,—for the numerical difference between the candidates was trifling—that would have given a heavy blow and serious discouragement to Protestantism, by placing in the ascendent that party in the Church, whose sole end and aim is to bring back England to the bosom of the Roman fold, from which, as they conceive, she has ignorantly and perversely strayed.

And what is the excuse Mr. Packington offers—for he feels bound to make some apology—for having thus turned his back upon Protestantism? By alleging Mr. Liddell’s excellent private character, his charitable exertions, and the abuse of which he has been the object. In the same way any good and charitable and abused individual, though of Red Republican principles, might obtain Mr. Pakington’s vote, the consideration with him being, not whether he agrees or differs with a man’s principles, but that a man—to entitle him to support—should be of excellent private character, and equally distinguished for charitable exertions and immense obloquy. When the vital interests of Protestantism are at stake, it is not the time to allow minor considerations to influence the mind and to sacrifice them to the private character of any individual, however excellent or however improperly abused. When the enemy is in front and the battle joined, it would be base to slink out of the ranks from consideration for a private friend engaged with the opposite party.

The vote for or against Mr. Westerton I am disposed to make a touchstone of sincerity, as regards attachment to Protestantism, or the reverse. Mr. Pakington may write up and call out as much as he pleases, “Good people all, take notice dis house is a true Protestant;” but he must excuse my saying that, after his vote against Mr. Westerton for the churchwardenship of Knightsbridge, I can attach no confidence to his professions. True Protestantism may have his lip-service, but false Protestantism, with its depraved doctrines and soul-sinking mummeries, had his countenance and his vote.

On the other hand, Lord Calthorpe—the father of the Liberal candidate—has uniformly and signally distinguished himself by his zeal on behalf of evangelical religion, and his steadfast resistance to the insidious aggressions of the Tractarian faction. His son—early trained in the same principles—is animated with the same feelings and convictions, which will produce the same fruit; and, when such a man invites my suffrage, as a candidate for the Legislature, I cannot doubt—even without regard to politics—that I ought unhesitatingly to prefer him to Mr. Pakington, or I feel that I should have small claim to subscribe myself

A PROTESTANT.

February 4th, 1859.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION!

Mr. CALTHORPE has much pleasure in tendering his best thanks to the Electors of Dudley for their very decided and flattering support. He regrets the impossibility of personally canvassing all the Electors, and respectfully invites them to meet him at the LANCASTERIAN SCHOOL ROOM, DUDLEY, on MONDAY Evening next, the 7th day of February, at seven o’clock.

Mr. Calthorpe’s Committee Room, Old Bush Inn, 5th February, 1859.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

Brother Electors,

Mr. PAKINGTON asks who is Mr. CALTHORPE, and how dare he presume to intrude himself upon the Electors of East Worcestershire? I would reply by asking what claims of pre-eminence Mr. PAKINGTON possesses in thus questioning your right to select for yourselves that person you consider most fitted to represent you, and upon what ground does he base his expectations of obtaining your support? Certainly not upon the exhibition he made at the Lancasterian School on Monday Evening, when he either had no principles to explain, or they were so antiquated that he lacked the power or ability to make them understandable to his audience! Can it be upon his desire to dole out to you the very smallest modicum of Reform which may be possible, or that you must be pleased to wait a little longer, until you are more capable of appreciating it? I am quite willing to give Mr. PAKINGTON all the credit he so eloquently pleaded for on Monday Evening, to which his efforts on behalf of education fairly entitle him; but I cannot understand how it is that he should deny to the people a fair participation in those rights and privileges which that education so properly qualifies them to exercise. Is it that he would continue that animosity and those heart-burnings which the exaction of Church Rates has so long occasioned, or does he still desire the dominance of an Ecclesiastical authority which, since the reformation, the Protestant spirit of the people of England has declared shall not exist in this country? Does he think that you will support him on account of the resistance of himself and his party to the establishment of those great commercial principles which have tended so largely to develop the prosperity of this Country, and so materially to increase your own happiness and comforts? How dare Mr. PAKINGTON sneer at Staffordshire men representing you, when all so well recollect the insidious attempt of Sir John to transfer you to that County, and which, had not your timely and generally expressed indignation prevented, Mr. PAKINGTON would not now have had the honour of soliciting your suffrages; Mr. CALTHORPE is a progressive, consistent Liberal—one whose principles are adapted to the spirit of the times in which we live; he comes fairly before this great County constituency with stated opinions, and soliciting from it a Seat in Parliament. He does not attempt to get there by the exercise of an influence Mr. PAKINGTON so magniloquently talked about, and which we all know is so kindly exercised in a Borough with which he is connected. Is it not that Mr. JUNIOR PAKINGTON is put forth as a feeler against the time when, very probably, that Borough may find itself in Schedule A of a New Reform Bill, and your votes may then be asked for a Senior member of the family? I will venture to answer that as Free and Independent Electors of East Worcestershire you will not thus be dictated to, but will return Mr. CALTHORPE TRIUMPHANTLY AT THE HEAD OF THE POLL!

I am,

Yours respectfully,

A FREEHOLDER.

ELECTORS BEWARE OF TORY TRICKS!

MR. CALTHORPE is against opening the Crystal Palace, Theatres, and such other Places of Amusement on Sunday.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

To the Electors and Non-Electors of East Worcester.

Gentlemen,

I regret that the friends of Mr. Pakington have thought it to their interest to resort to open misrepresentation, and in the vain hope of injuring me in your good opinion are industriously circulating a report that I am “in favor of opening the Crystal Palace and Theatres on Sunday.”

This is wholly untrue. I never made or approved of such a statement.

I am not in favor of opening the Crystal Palace, or Theatres, or any such places of Amusement on Sunday.

I am Gentlemen,

Your faithful Servant,

FREDERICK H. W. G. CALTHORPE.

Central Committee Room, February 11th, 1859.

MR. PAKINGTON’S LAST.

Brother Electors and Friends of the eastern division of the county of Worcester, my kind friend Lord Ingestre could not do me a greater kindness than that which he has now done me, namely, that of addressing you in his usual eloquent, terse, and pointed style, to introduce to you my humble self, the present candidate on the Conservative interest, and of expressing as he has so forcibly done the political views which I entertain in common with him. I am engaged, gentlemen, as you are all of you well aware, in a most vigorous, a most determined, and, from what I hear on all sides of the county, anything but a desperate contest. I am carrying it through with vigour, and I will win if I can. Gentlemen, as you must be well aware, labour of all kinds, whether of the body or the mind, involves considerable fatigue. That is the case in regard to every kind of labour, but when you find a crisis like the present at a time when from accidental circumstances I had to undergo on other grounds and for other purposes a most severe week of mental labour, and when at the end of that week I had to commence this battle, which, from certain reasons to which I will not now further allude, required in my particular instance a tremendously oppressive amount of energy and exertion both of body and of mind, under these circumstances it is a great kindness on the part of my friend Lord Ingestre that he should take one half my duties himself, in stating as he has done what are my personal qualifications and my political views. You all know what my father’s political views are, and if you want to know mine, gentlemen, they are contained in my address, which has been circulated throughout the county. But I tell you that, important as I consider political matters to be, at this present crisis and in this present battle, politics with me are as nothing. I, however, know all electioneering dodges very well; I know where I am and whom I am now addressing; I am going to win. But politics, as I said, are now second with me. I am not fighting a political battle so much as one of high-minded independence as a Worcestershire country gentleman. God forbid that I should boast of anything like an ancient family. The Pakington family have been for three hundred years residing near here, and in the very centre of the county. They have been Worcestershire people to the backbone. I am now residing near Worcester, where I am endeavouring to do my duty in that station of life to which I am called. I am trying in various ways to exert around me that kind of homely influence which kind and homely thoughts and actions will always produce by whomsoever exercised. I, for my own part, have no ambition for Parliamentary life. If I wanted a seat in Parliament for its own sake I know where to get one. I have been asked over and over again, by gentlemen of the highest influence, to stand for this or that place, to go here and to go there, in different parts of the country, and have been regarded as a likely candidate for a seat in Parliament. But I have said “No, I don’t want to be a Parliament man, I have no desire to go to Parliament myself, but if ever I represent a place it shall be, not a town in the north or south of England, but some town or division of a county that has some claim upon me, and where I have as a country gentleman some kindly feeling entertained towards me and my family.” These, gentlemen, are my private feelings. You will see that in the address I have published I have made use of the expression “Whatever my private preferences may be.” These are the circumstances to which I allude. But now I am ready to state briefly what are my principles. I need hardly repeat that I am a true Conservative, because I believe true Conservatism to consist in aiding social progress and the reparation, when necessary, of those institutions of our country to which England owes its present greatness. As your representative, it will be my duty to support that Government which is to give the greatest stability to the nation at large, and the greatest amount of happiness to the community. So far as I am able to judge, the Government of Lord Derby fulfils these requirements, and I believe they will not waver. I am fighting in three different capacities. Firstly, as the son of a Worcestershire man, I won’t have two Staffordshire members; secondly, I am a Conservative, not one of the stiff old Tories of the old school. I am a Conservative of the present day, of this very hour. I am unpledged by any past political measures. As a Conservative and as a politician I should object to having another gentleman of strong Liberal opinions to represent the agriculturists of the Eastern Division of the county of Worcester, the majority of whom are, I believe, eminently Conservative. I must, therefore, as a Conservative, strongly object to Mr. Calthorpe. Thirdly, I object to Mr. Calthorpe, and this is my strongest point of all, casting aside politics, that which is the strongest objection I feel, and which is now the key to my actions, is that I am an independent man, and I will not see my county represented by a comparative stranger without offering my services to the electors. That is the keystone to my movements. I know whom I have got to deal with. I know where Mr. Calthorpe comes from. It is a matter to me of no consequence who wrote the letter requesting him to come forward as a Candidate, but I know his supporters right and left, every one of them. Gentlemen, I object to Mr. Calthorpe coming here. He may be a Staffordshire man, or a Warwickshire man, but he certainly is not Worcestershire. His father, Lord Calthorpe, is a man whom all persons must respect and justly respect. He is a friend of my own father, and I know him well. Mr. Calthorpe himself was a school-fellow of mine, but, as he tells you himself, he has since been almost round the globe, and I have not seen so much of him as I could have wished. I like him personally very much, but he appears to have picked up some very funny notions. The last time that I spoke to him he was an out-an-out no end of a hog man, and no mistake about it; but he was then just about starting for Timbuctoo, China, or some other distant place, and I have not seen him since. (Laughter). His property is just of that kind that might occasion a mistake. It is situate near the confines of Worcestershire. The bulk of it is away from this county, and neither Lord Calthorpe nor his son have, I verily believe, so much land in the county as you can stick your hat on. (Renewed laughter). Where does he date his address from? Perry Hall. Where is Perry Hall? (A voice, “It is a garden down at the bottom of the town,” and great laughter). I am very glad to hear it, and if the hon. gentleman who gave me the information can tell me of his own knowledge that Mr. Calthorpe was there when he wrote his address, my argument is at an end. We know where Westwood Park is, and we know where Witley Court is, but where is Perry Hall? (A voice, “It is Mr. Calthorpe’s villa.”) But, gentlemen, Mr. Calthorpe’s first address is a puff of smoke; it’s a blind, and he finds it is so. (A voice, “Not he.”) He does. Why does he not attend public meetings? (A voice, “He’s a-coming.”) Let him come; I am ready to meet him anywhere he pleases. I say that Mr. Calthorpe’s first address is a sham; that he finds it so himself, and therefore he is obliged to publish a second, which I now hold in my hand. (A voice, “There’s a third coming out.”) I am glad to hear it; let it come. (Great confusion.) As I was saying, Mr. Calthorpe’s address is all moonshine. His friends got frightened; the views he expressed were not satisfactory, and therefore he has published another, stating stronger views. I am a man of business, and when I write my views in one letter I don’t write a second, still less a third for that purpose. My occupation now as a candidate is a matter of business, and I am not going to write a second address; I don’t need it. Here (pointing to his first address) are my views, my opinions, and all about myself; I don’t require a second address. As I said, I don’t enter now on political differences at all but there is one question to which I must allude. As I have told you, I am playing a deep game; and with me it is a determined one. Those who know me privately, and I am surrounded by kind friends, know that when I make up my mind as I have done in this contest, I carry my object through if possible, so I am going on determined to fight this battle. I am fighting a good fight, and when a move is made in this game of political chess between me and my adversary, be he who he may, I will meet it if I can by a good move of my own. Mr. Pakington then referred to the following attack upon him in the Morning Advertiser:—“Mr. Pakington, his (Mr. Calthorpe’s) opponent, is, on the contrary, a bigoted Puseyite, and one of the most prominent partisans of the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Liddell, in the parish of Knightsbridge.” On which Mr. Pakington, among other things, said—I wish to explain that I merely resided in that parish, subscribing to the schools and attending divine service at the church; but having now ceased to reside there, I have nothing further to do with it, and I indignantly deny the charge made. He concluded by saying—I see that some of you are getting a little fatigued, and I am tired myself. I am very glad to have had this opportunity of meeting you, and I hope to do so many more times. We cannot do so too often. As I said before, I will come again if I am wanted; but I have duties of a like kind elsewhere, for which duties I now go to prepare. I am very much obliged to you for your kind reception.

Note,—The “Printer’s Devil” has exhausted his stock of I’s.

Query—Why is Mr. PAKINGTON like a Peacock?—Because his tale is full of I’s.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

To the Electors and Non-Electors of the Eastern Division of the County of Worcester.

Gentlemen,

The friends of Mr. Pakington having failed to injure Mr. Calthorpe, by the false statement that he is the Nominee of Lord Ward, have resorted to another falsehood which has led to the following correspondence.

“EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.”

“Teddesley, February 13th, 1859.

“My Dear Ingestre—

“I take the liberty, to which I am sure you will not object, to publish my letter to you, and your answer.

“I remain yours sincerely,

“HATHERTON.

“The Viscount Ingestre, M.P., &c.”

“Teddesley, February 11th, 1859.

“My Dear Ingestre—

“My attention has been called to a paragraph in the Daily News to the following effect:—

“‘Lord Ingestre, and Mr. Lygon, and Mr. Dowdeswell, formerly M.P. for Tewkesbury, addressed an assembly of farmers from a window opposite the Corn Exchange, Worcester, on Saturday afternoon. In the course of Lord Ingestre’s observations, he said the idea of bringing forward Mr. Calthorpe as a representative for the Eastern Division of Worcestershire was hatched by Lord Hatherton, at his seat at Teddesley, and then communicated to Lord Ward, who gave a ready acquiescence to the suggestion.’”

“What purely accidental conversation I may have had with Lord Ward about East Worcestershire Election, at a visit he paid here—just after Lord Northwick’s death—in pursuance of an engagement made a fortnight before, it is unnecessary for me to relate. But the statement that ‘the idea of bringing forward Mr. Calthorpe as a representative of East Worcestershire was hatched by me at this place,’ or anywhere else, is without a shadow of foundation.

I never was consulted or likely to be about the choice of a candidate: and except one letter from a customary correspondent conveying to me the information that Mr. Calthorpe’s friends had resolved to bring him forward, of which I then heard for the first time, I never had with any one any kind of communication respecting his election.

“I am sure that after this statement, you will pardon my enquiry whether you have been correctly reported in the above paragraph—and if so—on what authority you have made such a statement?

“I remain yours sincerely,

“HATHERTON.

“The Viscount Ingestre, M.P.”

“Ingestre, Stafford, February 12th, 1859.

“Dear Lord Hatherton,

“The report of what I said at Worcester is substantially correct with this exception:—

“What I said was ‘the scheme was hatched at Lord Hatherton’s, at Teddesley,’ &c. Not by Lord Hatherton. You ask me on what ground I made that statement.

“I reply, I knew Lord Ward had been at Teddesley, I believed that Mr. Calthorpe met him there, and knowing the interest you take in political matters as evinced during the last Stafford election, I thought it probable that the idea of starting Mr. Calthorpe for East Worcestershire was hatched at your house. If I have made any mis-statement in this matter, I much regret it, but I believe the probabilities were sufficient to bear me out in the assertion that I made at Worcester.

“Believe me, dear Lord Hatherton, sincerely yours,

“INGESTRE.”

The reply of Lord Ingestre reduced to plain language, says a writer in the Daily Post, amounts to this, “I knew that Lord Ward had been at Teddesley, therefore I imagined the rest, and what were suspicions only I affirmed as facts.”

Notwithstanding Mr. Calthorpe’s repeated denial of his ever having expressed a wish that Theatres, the Crystal Palace, and such like places of amusement should be opened on Sundays, Mr. Pakington’s friends have repeated the calumny,—Mr. Calthorpe’s Central Committee beg to inform the Electors of the Public Meeting held at Stourbridge, on Monday last, that Mr. Calthorpe not only contradicted this false and calumnious statement, but emphatically declared that he is OPPOSED to the opening of Places of Amusement of any kind on Sundays.

Central Committee Rooms, Stourbridge, February 15th, 1859.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION!

THE INCOME TAX!

At PERSHORE, on Monday last (see Times report), Mr. CALTHORPE stated, “that he would not pledge himself to vote for a repeal of the INCOME TAX!”

After this, what do you think of the would-be Liberal Candidate?

Is Liberal or Illiberal the proper term for such a Candidate?

Think, and judge for yourselves!

DOWN WITH THE INCOME TAX!

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

Mr. CALTHORPE’S COMMITTEE earnestly request all their friends to refrain from any allusion, much less retort, to the scandalous and malicious production issued by the other side. The party who can thus, for electioneering purposes, malign and insult their neighbours and fellow-townsmen, and what is infinitely worse, their townsmen’s wives and daughters, may be safely left to the contempt of all right-minded men of all parties, which cannot fail to be their natural reward.

Mr. Calthorpe’s Committee Room, Old Bush Inn, Dudley, 17th February, 1859.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

February 22nd, 1859. This was considered to be the most severe contest, for a single seat, which had ever taken place in this division of the county. There had not been a contest at all during the last 22 years in this division; and it had become a matter of doubtful speculation as to which party, Tory or Liberal, could carry the day. The Tories had from almost time immemorial held possession of Worcestershire, both East and West, and it required a stout heart and a willing hand to engage in this political strife. The new coming Reform Bill was selected as the battle ground for the Liberals, and the Tories stuck to their old traditions, and relied upon their usual coercion, and their alleged doings for the county in the past. So far as Dudley was concerned, we had to fight under manifold and peculiar conditions, for the “head and front” of the old Tory party had but recently forsaken their old love and “gone over into the camp of the rabble herd,” to help the Radicals in the two last Borough Elections to defeat the hated and intolerable territorial influence; so that the county electors in Dudley, both Liberals and Tories, were all sailing in the same boat against the Tory county influence. Men had to decide upon voting for the pocket or the conscience; and singular indeed was this mixed medley of Tories, Liberals, Conservatives, old Whigs, hot-heated Radicals, and seditious Chartists, hurrying with bated breath to the same Poll. There was much satisfaction felt on this occasion that we had two highly respectable gentlemen as our candidates; the Honourable F. H. W. G. Calthorpe coming forward as the Liberal candidate, whilst the Tory interest was endorsed by the candidature of Mr. John Slaney Pakington, son of Sir John Pakington, a Worcestershire man. The freeholders in Dudley were placed on the horns of a dilemma, by the fact that the Tory, or Badger party as it was called, on this occasion adhered to the traditions of their party, although at two recent Borough elections they had renounced their political opinions, and joined hand and glove with Mr. Sheridan, and the Radicals and Chartists.

The Liberals, the Whigs, and the Liberal Conservatives, energetically espoused the cause of Mr. Calthorpe, and were successful, with the county, in placing him at the head of the poll by a majority of 321 votes.

As to the fitness and mental qualifications of the two candidates, there could not be one moment’s doubt of the superiority of the Liberal candidate’s claims upon the electors, for Mr. Calthorpe was a clear-headed business man, whereas Mr. Pakington was a young, docile gentleman, little acquainted with the rough usages of political life, and was feared to be a mere passive instrument in the hands of an unscrupulous political faction; and what made matters worse for his success, was his utter inability to talk and deliver himself of the political opinions he was credited to possess.

On February 22nd, 1859, this election came off, with the following results at all the polling places:—

CALTHORPE.PAKINGTON.

Dudley343176

Stourbridge553244

Halesowen326131

Kings Norton329289

Bromsgrove248228

Droitwich163220

Evesham118251

Pershore137310

Shipton67114

————

22841963

————

Majority for Mr. Calthorpe, Liberal, 321.

This was considered a great victory against the then Tory Government and the Lygon interest, which had always ruled this division of the county.

There was more political fun, chaffing, and coat turning on this occasion than had ever occurred in this Borough since the excitable days of the first Reform Bill, and the plentiful crop of political squibs plainly shewed that both parties were made sensibly alive to the importance of the contest. We had the straightforward Saxon practice of open voting in those days, so that it was well-known to what political opinion a voter gave his allegiance.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION OF WORCESTERSHIRE.

Gentlemen,

After so severe and protracted a contest, allow me to congratulate you on the great and glorious triumph you have obtained for the Liberal cause.

The victory is yours. I am the representative of it. I feel deeply the proud position in which you have placed me, and I hope to prove my gratitude by a zealous attention to your interests and by a faithful service in that cause which you have sent me to the House of Commons to maintain.

I would fain hope that many of those who have in this contest been opposed to me, will on future occasions be numbered among my friends, and I trust that now the battle is over, all unpleasant feeling may cease.

Gentlemen,

I remain, with heartfelt thanks,

Your obedient Servant,

FREDERICK H. W. G. CALTHORPE.

Central Committee Rooms, Stourbridge, February 23rd, 1859.

The vote on the New Reform Bill having caused a dissolution, the following addresses were issued:—

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION OF THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER.

Gentlemen,

Six weeks have not elapsed since you did me the honour to elect me as one of your Representatives. Grateful for the favour conferred, I am again a Candidate for your suffrages.

The Government has announced a dissolution on the question of Reform, and in my opinion they were quite right, first, in accepting the vote of Thursday, March 31st, as a vote of want of confidence, and secondly, in referring the question of Reform to the Constituencies and to public opinion at large.

I feel confident the result will be a good and durable measure of Reform, calculated to satisfy those classes who are as yet unrepresented, and to allay those feelings of discontent excited by the feeble, unjust, and insufficient Reform Bill recently introduced by the Government.

During the brief period I have been your Representative, I have neglected no opportunity of recording my vote in favour of the principles you sent me to Parliament to maintain, and which I shall ever feel it my duty to support.

I have, I believe invariably agreed with my colleague, and I trust that all those who intend to record their votes in my favour, will extend to him the same support and influence.

I hope that I have proved attentive to your interests, and have shewn every courtesy to those of my constituents who have done me the honour to correspond with me.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your faithful and obedient Servant,

FREDERICK H. W. G. CALTHORPE.

33, Grosvenor Square, London, April 7th, 1859.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION OF THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER.

Gentlemen,

A dissolution of Parliament having been announced, I beg to declare my intention of offering myself as a Candidate for the honour of being one of your representatives for the fourth time.

I trust that you have found me acting consistently with the principles of civil and religious liberty, which I have always professed, and I hope that my earnest endeavours to be attentive to your interests may have met with your approval.

I am well aware of the great inconvenience, and interruption to business, caused by frequent dissolutions of Parliament, and I would gladly have supported any moderate measure of progressive Reform, brought forward by Lord Derby’s Government, rather than have incurred such a result, could I have done so without depriving a number of my Constituents of their ancient right of voting, which the bill introduced would have unjustly taken from them.

On referring to the Division Lists, I am happy to see that my Colleague, and I, have on all occasions supported the same measures, so that the votes of your Members are no longer neutralised by being given in opposition to each other; under these circumstances, may I venture to hope that all those who do me the honour of supporting me, and to whom I may have been longer known, will kindly extend the same to my friend, Mr. Calthorpe.

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,

Your faithful and obliged Servant,

J. H. HODGETTS FOLEY.

Prestwood, April, 1859.

The Ratepayers are respectfully requested to attend early to-morrow (Friday) and record their Votes for Mr. MAURICE.

DUDLEY VESTRY CLERKSHIP.

Close of the first day’s Poll:—

For Mr. Maurice135

For Mr. Brooke73

For Mr. Dingley39

For Mr. Coulton17

Majority for Mr. Maurice over the highest Candidate, 62.

Majority for Mr. Maurice over ALL the 3 Candidates, 7.

April 15th, 1859.

March, 1859. The new Reform Bill, introduced by the Conservative Government,—Earl Derby’s—was discussed for eight nights in the House of Commons, and defeated by a large majority, which caused the Tories to dissolve Parliament, and appeal to the electors.

Singular Winter. March 29th, 1859. A heavy fall of snow took place this day and night, it being the first snow we had had during all the winter, 1858-9.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES STANLEY MONCK, VISCOUNT MONCK.

My Lord,

We, the undersigned, Electors of the Borough of Dudley, respectfully invite your Lordship to become a Candidate for the Representation of the Borough, at the next vacancy, and pledge ourselves to use every legitimate means to secure your return.

We have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship’s obedient Servants,

George Stevenson

Hy. P. Skidmore

A. B. Cochrane

Edwd. Bowen

Robert Houghton

J. E. Swindell

Thomas Morris

J. H. Smith

John Williscroft

Thomas Stevenson

J. F. Watkins

Chas. Russell

John Finch

John Whitehouse

James Cartwright

C. F. G. Clark

Chas. E. Swindell

Frank Evers

W. H. Brooke

Fras. Sanders

John Cochrane

Sam. C. Davison, B.A.

Thomas Oakes

Edward Wood

W. C. Wood

Geo. Thompson

Solomon Woodall

Danl. Jordan

Thomas Roberts

Henry Cartwright

Joseph Russell

Samuel Golding

David Round

William Cooper

Saml. Woodall

Solomon Higgs

David Pearson

James Griffiths

William Coley

Jos. Griffiths

Jos. Willetts

Abner Smith

Matthew Troman

James Smart

Joseph Brownhill

William Stagg

Benjn. Horton

Charles Hill

John Dawson

Thomas Sheppard

Henry Wood

David Lloyd

John Meese

Joseph Pitt

John Smithyman

Henry Skidmore

James Miles

Joseph Rowley

Charles Stamps

Charles Nicholls

Robert Matthews

Ferdinando Rollason

John Dutton Phillips

Joseph Hingley

John Hingley

Thomas Round

&c., &c.

March 30th, 1859.

BOROUGH ELECTION.

April, 1859. No sooner had our political elements settled down, after the severe county contest of the preceding February, but we were called into agitation again by the sudden dissolution of the Conservative Parliament, and Dudley was taxed to its utmost to so trim its political sails, and put square men into round holes, in order that its former political triumphs might not have been won in vain. Mr. H. B. Sheridan, the sitting member, sought re-election again, backed by the Radicals and Chartists, and supplemented by a contingent of sturdy old Tories, who felt they had not a shadow of a chance of carrying a man of their own liking; so they determined to keep alive the resentment against the influence which had so recently assailed their cherished dignities, and swept from under their feet all the political power their party was ever again destined to weald, both in the Borough of Dudley and County of Worcester. These offended old townsmen convened a sort of meeting at the Hotel, which was designated “a meeting of Conservative electors,” and after some tall talk, with closed doors, it was decided to throw their Tory interest into the Radical Camp, and support the sitting member, Mr. Sheridan; for their political chief publicly asserted his determination to vote for “hog, dog, or devil, in order to spite Lord Ward.” Nothing could have ended more suicidically than this repetition to thwart the castle influence. They must have known that as a political party they were impotent; for the recent county election unmistakeably pronounced Dudley to be Liberal; and the Tory interest, with Lord Ward at its back, could not turn the tide of Liberalism in the Borough, so that again to support a trimming, wary candidate, who first came amongst us as a Conservative, and now declared himself to be an Independent candidate, sitting below the gangway in the House, was to entirely abrogate their long-life cherished Tory opinions and support Mr. Sheridan, because they could not bring forward a candidate of their own choice.

Whilst these manœuvres were in hand, the Liberal party were in negotiation with the Reform Club in London to send us down a candidate, and the Honourable Viscount Monck, an Irish gentleman of good family and undoubted administrative qualifications, came down to the Bush Hotel, and after a lengthened interview, he was selected to be run against the Radical-Tory party as a Liberal-Conservative.

A perusal of the Requisition to Lord Monck and the names of those who formed his committee, shews that the thinking portion of the electors were desirous, if possible, of removing a political stigma from the Borough, and throwing over that dubious “incubus” which had sat too long upon purity of motive and action, which Dudley electors had ever been wont to endorse. Mr. Sheridan complained that he had all along one lord to fight against, and now he had two lords in the field; that the charges alleged against him in the Albert, European, and other shady speculations, were matters of mere business, and did not concern the electors of Dudley, and that his promises at the last election had been literally fulfilled. Lord Monck, on the other hand, came amongst us as a stranger, not only to our locality, but he had also enjoyed a seat in the last Parliament where his votes were recorded.

Great efforts were made on this occasion to defeat the old member, Mr. Sheridan, and the narrow majority of 71 votes, aided by all the Tory influence that could be brought to bear in his support, clearly showed that if the Badger element had not been severely pressed into the cause Lord Monck would have been elected.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

Her Majesty’s Ministers have announced an immediate dissolution of Parliament, and the duty of choosing a Representative in the House of Commons has therefore devolved upon you. Encouraged by the very flattering requisition I have received from an influential portion of your body, I venture to solicit your suffrages at the approaching election.

Having sat in the House of Commons during the entire of the last Parliament, my opinions on most of the questions of the day stand recorded in the votes.

During the last thirty years great improvements have been effected in reference to our Parliamentary Franchises, our Municipal Institutions, and our commercial and fiscal condition. I have been long connected both by official and personal ties with those who, for the greater part of the period referred to, have been the leaders of the great Liberal party by whose exertions these changes have been effected. The principles by which they have been dictated, I desire to see extended in their application.

The question upon which the country will have to decide at the approaching election is that of Parliamentary Reform. I am in favour of a bona-fide extension of the Franchise, both in Counties and Boroughs, which would, by a lowering of the present qualification for the suffrage, admit within the pale of the Constitution an adequate representation of the labouring classes; and I desire to see a portion of their present representation transferred from the smaller and less important Constituencies, to those larger communities which the growth of trade and wealth has produced.

I am opposed to the proposition for taking Votes at Elections for Members of Parliament by Ballot, because I think under its operation corruption could not be detected, and I do not wish to destroy the influence of the Non-Electors, which would be the case under a system of secret voting.

In reference to Taxation, I am desirous of taking off, as the necessities of the State will permit, all those taxes which press upon trade, or impede the springs of industry, and I desire to see judicious economy and retrenchment carried into every branch of the public service.

I consider the Income Tax in its present form presses unjustly upon incomes derived from trade and industry.

I have always in Parliament voted for the abolition of Church Rates, because, as a member of the Church of England, I think the pecuniary gain to the Establishment is not a compensation for the ill will and odium which the enforcement of the claim produces.

I am in favour of the most complete freedom of trade, and have always voted for every measure which tended in that direction.

I desire to see Government aid to Education extended to all classes of my fellow subjects, without distinction of sect, or creed.

Should I have the honour of becoming your Representative, the local interests of your important Borough shall always command my best attention.

I hope before the Election to have the pleasure of calling upon each of you, and shall be happy to explain my opinions more in detail.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen,

Your most obedient Servant,

MONCK.

Bush Inn, Dudley, April 5th, 1859.

TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

Her Majesty’s Ministers having decided on appealing to the country, a dissolution of the present House of Commons may be expected in about fifteen days.

I hasten to inform you that it is my intention to present myself as a Candidate for the honour of again representing your Borough in the important Parliament about to be assembled.

Unconnected with, and influenced by, any party considerations whatever, I have watched with much anxiety the recent struggle, having in view the redemption of my pledge to support any Government which would give to the Country such a measure of Reform, as would secure to the people an increased share in the representation, believing that the Educational progress of the Working Classes entitles them to be dealt with in a fair and liberal spirit.

In all other matters connected with the interests of this great Country, I confidently refer to the Votes I have given, as your Member; and I shall immediately ask you, both by public Meeting and by personal Canvass, whether I am not entitled to a continuance of that confidence which so triumphantly returned me at the last Election.

Your faithful Servant,

H. B. SHERIDAN.

House of Commons, April 6th, 1859.

TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.

Mr. H B. SHERIDAN will arrive in Dudley this evening, to meet the electors!

Reserve your promises for the man who has won your political independence, and served you, as your representative, consistently.

Dudley, April 6th, 1859.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

Copy of Letters from CAPTAIN BENTON to H. B. SHERIDAN, Esq., M.P.:—

Dudley, April 7th, 1859.

Dear Sir,

The words made use of to Mr. LOCOCK by Mr. SMITH, when in London, are as follows:—

That LORD WARD paid Five Thousand Pounds away in Dudley per week for wages, and that, unless the Electors of Dudley and its neighbourhood voted which way he pleased, he would shut up his Pits for two years,—therefore, stop those wages. Moreover, that many of the Tradesmen were under obligation to the Bank, and their circumstances should be exposed, and that they should have no further accommodation.

Yours obediently,

JOHN BENTON.

To H. B. Sheridan, Esq.

3, Charles Street, Oxford Road, Islington, April 8th, 1859.

Dear Sir,

Having received a letter after I had the pleasure of meeting you and your friends at Dudley, from Mr. LOCOCK, requesting me to return to town, I was unable to see you prior to my departure, and regret it is not in my power to meet you this evening. I have made you acquainted with certain facts, relative to the influence of the Priory, and the threats made use of relative to the Electors of Dudley. I assert such has been the fact, and beg to say, I will on any occasion publicly declare that the contents of my former note to you are most strictly true.

With my best wishes and respects to your Committee and Friends, believe me,

Yours, very faithfully,

JOHN BENTON.

To H. B. Sheridan, Esq., M.P.

Dear Sir,

In consequence of a Letter from a Mr. BENTON containing erroneous statements having been read by Mr. SHERIDAN, M.P. at a Public Meeting held last night in Dudley, I beg to send a copy of the Letters I have this day addressed to those gentlemen on the subject.

I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully,

RICHARD SMITH.

The Priory, April 9th, 1859.

Copy of a Letter addressed by RICHARD SMITH, Esq., to H. B. SHERIDAN Esq., M.P.:—

The Priory, Dudley, April 9th, 1859.

Sir,—I have seen a copy of the letter addressed to you by Mr. Benton, which you read at a meeting of the Electors of Dudley, held last night at the Lancasterian School-room, and cannot but regret you should have allowed yourself to give such a letter to the world, with your comments thereon, without first ascertaining, by communication with me, whether the statements made therein upon hearsay were true.

The statements which Mr. Benton has made are entirely without foundation, and I unhesitatingly give them an unqualified denial.

I send you a copy of a letter I have written to that gentleman, and I rely on your giving it an equal degree of publicity with Mr. Benton’s communication. Whatever differences of opinion may exist between us politically, I confidently appeal to your sense of what is due from one gentleman to another to comply with this request without delay.

I remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

RICHARD SMITH.

H. B. Sheridan, Esq., M.P.

Copy of a letter addressed by RICHARD SMITH, Esq., to Mr. BENTON, referred to in the letter to Mr. SHERIDAN, M.P.:—

The Priory, Dudley, April 9th, 1859.

Sir,—I have learnt with surprise that a letter addressed by you to Mr. Sheridan, having reference to certain statements said to have been made by me to Mr. Locock, was read and commented on by Mr. Sheridan, at a meeting of the Electors of Dudley, held at the Lancasterian Schoolrooms last night. I beg most emphatically to deny that I ever used to Mr. Locock (or any other person) the words, or any such words, you have been pleased to put forth.

I never said to that gentleman, “that Lord Ward paid five thousand pounds away in Dudley and its neighbourhood per week, and that unless the Electors of Dudley voted which way he pleased that he would shut up his pits for two years, and therefore stop those wages;” “or that many of the tradespeople were under obligations to the Bank, and their circumstances should be exposed, and that they should have no further accommodation;” or any words to that effect.

I cannot but regret you should have permitted yourself to make such unfounded statements which are not only unjust and injurious to me, but are a libel on the Tradesmen and Bankers of the town.

I add for your information that I am in no way connected with either of the Banks here, that I have no knowledge whatever, or the means of acquiring knowledge, as to the obligations of the Tradesmen of Dudley to their Bankers, nor any power to regulate or affect the amount of accommodation that their Bankers may afford them.

As your letter has been read at a meeting, I think it right to publish this also.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

RICHARD SMITH.

John Benton, Esq., London.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Brother Electors,

Mr. Smith (Lord Ward’s Agent) has appeared before the Public on his own account, not only by letter, but by various illegitimate means. Let us, as Electors, enquire who this Mr. Smith is? or what reliance can be placed on his veracity? and, as every man ought to speak from his own personal knowledge, allow me, as an Elector, to state some facts which have more specially come under my notice, that is—

That he has been seen driving out with Mr. Benton on several occasions.

That he is known to have dined with him.

That he has written a letter denying what that gentleman made public.

That he has been up to London, and seen Sir C. Locock and his son.

That he dares not publish the conversation which took place at that interview.

That he has on many occasions tried to coerce the Inhabitants of Dudley—I. Naylor, Esq., to wit.

That he has deprived Tradesmen of his Lordship’s support, because they had consciences and dared to use them.

That he has not been a very good friend to the Widows and Orphans one family who once resided in Sedgley can prove.

That he never was over particular about the rights or feelings of any one, when his own interests were in the scale.

The above individual may give an unqualified denial to the exact wording of Mr. Benton’s letter, but I defy him to prove the sum and substance is not there.

In reference to this Pit Bank case, there is an old adage very applicable, viz.—“That we should believe every man honest until we find him a rogue!”

“An Elector” in the Daily Post (proper name “Post”) talks of a Firebrand being in the town. I admit it, we have had one in the town many years; it has tried to burn down our Independence. Our common honesty, our very liberty have been brought to the stake; but I beg to inform Mr. Smith and his esteemed friends, that we shall come out scatheless, and that his “quack” supporters may save their Goose Oil for their own scorched backs!

I am, Gentlemen,

Yours respectfully,

AN ELECTOR.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

TO THE CONSERVATIVE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.

At a meeting of Conservative Electors of the Borough, held at the Hotel, Dudley, on Wednesday the 20th day of April, 1859, it was resolved:—

“That under existing circumstances, it is deemed expedient that the Conservative Electors should support the sitting Member, H. B. Sheridan, Esq., and this meeting therefore pledges itself to use all proper means and exertions to secure his re-election.

Ordered, that the above resolution be printed and circulated.

Signed,

THOS. BADGER, Chairman.

The Hotel, Dudley, April 20th, 1859.

It was always considered that the decision of the Conservative party at this meeting secured the re-election of Mr. Sheridan; although he was well known to be in bad odour with many of the leading Conservatives in the Borough. The recent opposition in the county election, where many of the Conservatives supported Mr. Calthorpe against young Mr. Pakington; had so soured the rigid old Tory party in the Borough, that they became reckless about the future consequences of their shameful political delinquencies; the result was, that these very resolute disclaimers of the Priory influence, spited their own cause by again returning a candidate they did not appreciate, and unwillingly helped to ring the death knell, not only of the Priory veto, but also of future Tory dictation; and placed this Borough in the advance guard of full blown Liberalism, with Mr. Sheridan as its Member still.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

TO THE CONSERVATIVE VOTERS.

Fellow Townsmen,

An appeal is now made to you to record your Votes for Mr. Sheridan. Let us see what claim Mr. Sheridan has upon our support on the present occasion, before we assist again to return a man to Parliament who has so shamefully violated his profession and principles. Was not Mr. Sheridan returned for Dudley, at the last Election, as a Liberal Conservative, of the most independent kind, supposed to be above the influence of any section of the Electors; and has he not, at the dictation of a few Radicals, invariably voted in Parliament for all Radical Measures, and opposed Lord Derby’s Government to the utmost of his power? Did he not pledge himself to vote against the Ballot, and has he not voted in favour of the Ballot? Did he not promise to vote against the Repeal of Church Rates (unless an equivalent was given), and did he not vote for their total unconditional Repeal? This, then, is the man, on whose promises, you are again called upon to rely; to send to Parliament again, as an advocate of anything which his varied supporters may suggest.

If, brother Conservatives, the sacred cause of Conservatism is worth upholding in its national integrity, reflect, consider, and forbear to commit yourselves to such a humiliating course, as to vote for a man whose practices and principles you have so often condemned since he has been in Parliament. At some future period our cause will be on the ascent, and you will then regret having assisted to hand over the Borough of Dudley to Radicalism and Faction. Mr. Sheridan, you are told, has again promised your rash and indiscreet leaders, that he will this time support Lord Derby’s Government. How will that new arrangement meet the views of his Liberal supporters, for they will not be found “to blow hot and cold;” and pray ask him, what kind of Government he will support when Lord Derby’s rule is over? Why the natural inference is (taking the past as evidence) that Mr. Sheridan will support any Government which will please his next best supporters in Dudley! He has proved himself unstable, unsettled, and wavering in his political convictions, the “Shuttlecock” of any party that will promise him support; and as such, totally unfit to represent the intelligence and wealth of the Conservative interests; and a miserable guide for the Radical faction.

Are you determined to belie your Conservative principles and vote for a “Shilley Shalley Radical,” the man who has branded your honoured townsmen (the Bank Directors) with a breach of that trust which many of us (as Shareholders) have placed in their hands, in betraying to the public the state of your private affairs? Is such an unscrupulous Weathercock entitled to the support of the Constitutional Conservatives in Dudley, who have ever been ready to uphold and maintain, the honour of their townsmen, and the sacred principles of Constitutional Monarchy? Reflect, brother Conservatives, before you place your sacred trusts in the hands of such an uncertain leader; for the past has proved his political infidelity to our cause and interests, and your recorded votes in his favour will assuredly prove your political inconsistency. If you cannot conscientiously support Lord Monck, the Conservative Liberal Candidate, then stand aloof from this attempted unnatural compact; and calmly watch Mr. Sheridan’s “New Dodge,” with a few of the young and heated Conservatives; become again, another evidence of his own falseness, and a lasting monument of his supporters’ political blindness and folly.

Ask yourselves what political sympathy this man can expect at your hands, after the broken pledges that he has committed.

Reflecting Conservatives, let not the shade of our departed Conservative chiefs darken the path of the present crisis; and God forbid that the sons of our venerated townsmen should become the leaders and promoters of Radicalism, Inconsistency, and Confusion; for the Voter for a Conservative Pakington, six weeks ago, surely will not be found voting for a nondescript Sheridan at this coming Election.

AN OLD CONSERVATIVE.

Dudley, April 21st, 1859.

TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

During the time I have been absent in London, i.e., since Thursday, I find that my political opponents have been indulging in the same tricks, with the view of prejudicing me in your eyes, which characterised the anonymous communications to the Birmingham Daily Post.

I allude to a paper which has been sent to the Electors of the Borough, purporting to be a history of the “Times” Fire Insurance Company, by which they seek to have it inferred that I have done some act in connection with that Company which would damage me in your estimation.

Instead of replying in detail to the abominable falsehoods which are therein contained, I shall content myself by saying—

That I never was Secretary to the “Times” Insurance Company.

That I am still a Director of that Company, which has amalgamated with the “State” Office.

That I am the largest Shareholder in the Company.

That I am paying calls at the rate of six or seven hundred pounds every few months.

That I have lent to the Company, at various times, about eight thousand pounds, most of which is still owing to me.

That for the last two years, we, the Directors, have not received fees for our weekly attendance, or any other remuneration for our services.

I may add, that the losses by fire, have, for some years past been very disastrous to this and all other similar Companies, and the greatest sufferers by these losses are the Directors, of whom I am one.

The whole affair is an Electioneering artifice, as appears on the face of it; and one which I treat with the contempt it merits.

The fact of neither the writer nor the printer of this absurd tissue of slanders having dared to give their names, is sufficient evidence of the utter worthlessness of this so-called Cambridge effusion.

I am, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully,

H. B. SHERIDAN.

April 21st, 1859.

THE COMMITTEE’S SUPPLICATION.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

Having completed my Canvass of the Borough, and endeavoured personally to pay my respects to every Elector, I am desirous to express to you my sense of the kindness and courtesy with which I have been received by the whole Constituency, and my sincere thanks for the very large amount of support with which I have been honored.

If I should have omitted through accident or inadvertence to call upon any Elector, I trust such omission will be attributed to its true cause, and not to any intentional disrespect on my part.

The result of my Canvass inspires me with a full assurance that I shall be returned as your Representative, and I have only to beg that those who have favored me with the promise of their support will kindly attend early at the Poll, at which I pledge myself they shall have an opportunity of recording their Votes in my favor.

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

MONCK.

Committee Rooms, Bush Inn, April 21st, 1859.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

Mr. Sheridan’s Committee having heard that the Canvassers of Lord Monck have, with the view of prejudicing Mr. Sheridan’s position with the Liberal party, FABRICATED STATEMENTS to the effect that he has recanted his Political opinions and compromised that party by pledging himself to a course hostile to their views, in a letter written to THOS. BADGER, Esq., beg to assure the Electors that SUCH STATEMENTS ARE ENTIRELY UNTRUE.

Mr. SHERIDAN will read the letter at the Meeting at the Lancasterian School Room, on Tuesday Evening next, and refute the unwarrantable reports which have been circulated respecting it.

BY ORDER.

Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley, 23rd April, 1859.

DUDLEY ELECTION, 1859.

POLLING DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 29th.

Hours of Polling from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lord Monck’s Committee Room, April 27th, 1859.

Dear Sir,

It is exceedingly desirable that every Canvasser should strictly attend to the following instructions:—

The Canvass Books should be made up correctly, showing the Returns up to this day; and any Canvass Book not so made up should be immediately taken to the Committee Room for the purpose.

Each Canvasser to-day or to-morrow at the latest, will please give notice at the Committee Room, stating what Cab or Car accommodation he may require, so that proper arrangements may be made for supplying it.

On the morning of the Poll each Canvasser is earnestly requested to proceed to his district with all speed, securing the doubtful Voters first, and continuing his labours until every Voter who has promised, or is inclined favorably, has voted.

It is very desirable that each Canvasser should attend frequently at the Committee Room, to ascertain what Voters have not polled, and for this purpose he may enquire for any particular Voter by name or number, or as to any number of unpolled Voters in any particular street or place, and arrangements will be made for this information being immediately supplied.

Information must be immediately given at the Committee Room as to any wavering Voter, so that any aid may be rendered that may be necessary.

Any additional Cab or Car accommodation must be applied for as required.

LORD MONCK earnestly requests that every Canvasser will zealously continue his labours until every Voter that can possibly be secured has voted, and afterwards attend at the Committee Room to aid in any other way that may be requested.

W. C. WOOD, Chairman.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.

I beg to thank you for the overwhelming expression of your confidence at the NOMINATION this morning.

I beseech you not to relax your exertions on behalf of myself and your Political Independence.

Be early with your Friends at the Poll, and our Success is certain.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your faithful Servant,

H. B. SHERIDAN.

Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley, April 28th, 1859. One o’clock p.m.

April 29th, 1859. Close of the Poll:—

Mr. H. B. Sheridan, Independent432

Viscount Monck, Liberal-Conservative361

——

Majority for Mr. Sheridan71

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

The state of the Poll at its close shows a result unfavourable to my desire to represent you in Parliament, and my opponent has been returned as your Member.

It therefore only remains for me, in the same spirit of good feeling and good humour in which I have endeavoured to carry on the contest, to return my sincere and heartfelt thanks to those amongst you who have honoured me with their support at the Poll.

I deem it, however, only an act of justice to myself and my Committee to state that, had the promises of support which were made to me in the course of my Canvass been fulfilled, I should now be your Member.

Into the causes which have led to the failure of these engagements, I do not mean now to enter; but I consider it an unwarrantable act wantonly to involve a Constituency in the turmoil of a Contest, and I therefore desire to leave upon record the fact that my Committee had good grounds for expecting a different result of the Poll.

I now take leave of you, I cannot say without some feelings of disappointment, but with none of irritation or annoyance.

To the gentlemen of my Committee who have laboured so assiduously in my cause, I beg to tender my most grateful acknowledgments, and to the whole Constituency my thanks for the courtesy and kindness with which I have been treated since I came amongst you.

I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,

Your obedient Servant,

MONCK.

Committee Rooms, Bush Inn, April 29th, 1859.

October 28th, 1859, Mr. Theophilus Tinsley was elected Mayor, and Mr. C. F. G. Clark, High Bailiff, of the Borough of Dudley for the ensuing year.

DUDLEY RIFLE CORPS.

November 23rd, 1859, a requisition, signed by upwards of 120 of the leading inhabitants of the town, was presented to the Mayor, T. Tinsley, Esq., requesting him to convene a public meeting, to take into consideration the expediency of forming a Volunteer Rifle Corps in this Borough. Mr. Henry Money Wainwright, Solicitor, was elected the first captain, which honourable appointment he held with great dignity and efficiency for a number of years. A public subscription was originated to raise funds for a suitable equipment of the corps, when upwards of £150 was received for that object.

Died, November 29th, 1859, Edward Dixon, Esq., Jun., only son of the late esteemed Mr. Dixon, Banker of this town.

DUDLEY GARRICK CLUB.

Some of my readers may be pleased to see a re-print of one of the earlier Play Bills of this enterprising Volunteer company of our younger townsmen, who founded one of the most enjoyable entertainments ever held in the town. Too much praise cannot be accorded to these young gentlemen for the assiduity and care they always manifested in placing upon the boards some of the most exciting as well as highly finished dramatic pieces of the day. These theatrical performances were liberally patronized by all parties, and gave universal satisfaction to all concerned, and their proceeds were liberally given to our local charities.

DUDLEY GARRICK CLUB.

POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT,

Assisted by Miss Isabel Adams, Miss Bellair, Miss Hinton, and Miss Holmes.

The Entertainment will commence with

THE READING OF AN ADDRESS.

After which will be produced the latest Metropolitan successful Comedy-Drama, in three acts, entitled

MIRIAM’S CRIME!

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

Bernard ReynoldsMr. W. ATKINS.

Scumley (a reprobate)Mr. S. WARING.

Huffin (a lawyer)Mr. A. SHEDDEN.

DanielMr. C. PAIN.

Biles (a clerk)Mr. H. WOODALL.

Miriam WestMiss ISABEL ADAMS.

Mrs. RabyMiss HINTON.

SongMiss BELLAIR.

To conclude with the evergreen popular Haymarket Comedy, in three acts, of

PAUL PRY!

Colonel HardyMr. A. SHEDDEN.

Frank HardyMr. RICHARDS.

Witherton (an old bachelor)Mr. S. WARING.

Harry StanleyMiss BELLAIR.

Grasp (a steward)Mr. C. PAIN.

Doubledot (an innkeeper)Mr. W. GORTON.

SimonMr. GEO. PITT.

Mr. StanleyMr. C. RUSSELL.

Paul PryMr. H. WOODALL.

(Servants, &c., by Members of the D.G.C.)

Mrs. SubtleMiss HINTON.

Phœbe (with a song)Miss ISABEL ADAMS.

ElizaMiss W. HOLMES.

A FULL THEATRICAL BAND IS ENGAGED.

Hon. Sec.Mr. James Wood.

Stage ManagerMr. H. Woodall.

PrompterMr. T. Neath.

PerruquierMr. James Foster.

Doors open at half-past Six—Curtain to rise at Seven o’clock. Reserved. Seats, 3s.; Unreserved Seats, 2s.; Back Seats, 1s.

Children in arms not admitted.

Tickets may be obtained from Mr. LAXTON, Bookseller, High Street (where a Plan of Reserved Seats may be seen on and after Wednesday, January 27th); Messrs. WARING, Wolverhampton Street; Mr. EVAN ROBERTS, Stone Street; or from any Member of the Committee.

Carriages may be ordered for half-past Ten, and will set down with horses’ heads facing Snowhill, and take up, horses’ heads facing the Town.

THE EARLDOM OF DUDLEY.

February 13th, 1860. The Right Honourable Lord Ward was created “Earl of Dudley and Viscount Ednam.” This important event was received with great satisfaction, both in the town of Dudley and the surrounding villages and hamlets, and the ancient town of Dudley was especially aware of marked consideration, in having the new elevation in the Peerage of the House of Himley called after our loyal and trusty old Borough. Deputations of congratulations to the noble Earl poured in upon him from all quarters, and the most notable must be claimed, the “Great Deputation,” which in much pomp and state emanated from the then Mayor, Theophilus Tinsley, Esq., and the principal inhabitants of Dudley, who were most graciously received by the new Earl of Dudley, at Himley Hall, on February 18th, 1860. The following is a report of these congratulatory deputations.

PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS TO THE EARL OF DUDLEY.

Thursday was the day named by the Earl of Dudley as the day when he should be happy to receive the deputation who had expressed a wish to wait upon his lordship, to present to him, on behalf of the town of Dudley, an address, upon his recent elevation to the title of Earl of Dudley. Himley was named as the place where his lordship would receive the deputation, and, accordingly, between one and two yesterday afternoon, the following gentlemen assembled at Himley Hall:—The Mayor (T. Tinsley, Esq.), the High Bailiff (Mr. C. F. G. Clark), Rev. Dr. Davison, Rev. G. Lewis, Captain Bennitt, Messrs. A. B. Cochrane, J. E. Swindell, W. Haden, S. D. Fereday, J. G. Walker, J. S. Bourne, Williscroft, Renaud, Grainger, Rudge, Hollier, Jordan, S. Price, Aston, Sanders, H. M. Wainwright, W. S. Wood, and Danks.

His Lordship received the deputation in his accustomed urbane manner, and after the ceremony of recognition had been gone through, the Mayor read the following address: “To the Right Honourable the Earl of Dudley,—We, the Mayor, Magistrates, clergy, gentry, and inhabitants of the parish and borough of Dudley, beg to offer to your Lordship our sincere and hearty congratulations on the occasion of your Lordship’s elevation to the Earldom of Dudley; and humbly pray that your Lordship may be long spared to enjoy that dignity, and that it may by God’s blessing be handed down in direct succession to the remotest posterity. Dudley, February 16th, 1860.”

The address, engrossed on vellum in a highly decorative style, bore the inscription, “To the Right Honourable the Earl of Dudley,” and was superbly illuminated in gold and colours, his lordship’s motto, “Comme je fus,” preceding the address. To it were added nearly 700 signatures, including the leading inhabitants of Dudley, Netherton, and the outlying districts comprehended within the borough of 40,000 inhabitants from which his lordship derives the title. The address and signatures thereto occupied twelve sheets of vellum, and the whole was enclosed in a handsome Russian cover, on which, in letters of gold, appeared the following dedication—“To the Right Honourable the Earl of Dudley, of Dudley Castle, in the county of Stafford, Viscount Ednam, of Ednam, in the county of Roxburgh.”

After the Mayor had read the address, and presented it to the Earl, the High Bailiff made a few remarks in support of the sentiments conveyed in that document. He said that although the occasion of his lordship’s elevation to an earldom was no doubt of great importance to himself privately, still it was also of great importance to the borough of Dudley, and his lordship had paid a very high compliment to the borough in taking his title from it. Therefore they had considered it their duty to present to his lordship that address, signed, as it was, by all classes and all denominations of the inhabitants of the borough, and by those who were sincerely attached to both his lordship’s person and house.

The Rev. G. Lewis, in the absence of the Rev. Dr. Browne, (Vicar of Dudley) begged, in the name of the clergy and ministers of Dudley, to be allowed to avail himself of that opportunity of expressing his congratulations upon his Lordship’s elevation to his new title. The title bore the impress of a new bond of connection between his Lordship and Dudley, and he (Mr. Lewis) trusted it would extend the connection, and still more closely cement the bond.

His Lordship then replied to the address of the deputation in a few observations, which were especially remarkable for their felicity and the cordial feeling they displayed. The noble Earl stated that he need not tell them that that was one of the moments of his life which gave him the greatest pleasure, and which he should remember the longest, and, as they might suppose, he could not divest himself of the personal pleasure attendant upon the reception of such a deputation on such an occasion. But far beyond any gratification this station of rank could give him, was the fact that the town and borough of Dudley shared in that gratification, and spoke out on the subject so distinctly as it did that day. But the personal gratification was not all because he felt that it was, really and truly, a congratulation upon a matter which very much affected himself and his house. In these days, when men not only demand their right to private opinions, but also the right to express those opinions, it was more than ever difficult to obtain an unanimous opinion as to who was worthy of congratulation. Still it was always a great pleasure to congratulate another; but when a man happened to be the object of such congratulations, to be the object of which such a meeting was called as that he saw before him, and the object of the expressions which had been given utterance to, the pleasure was naturally four-fold greater. With regard to what had been said about the selection of the title of Earl of Dudley, his Lordship remarked that he could not for one moment have dreamt of taking any other title. He had desired that the link between his family and the town might be drawn together closer, and be stronger than ever, and to show them that such were his desires he had taken the title of Earl of Dudley. When he was told that he must take the title from some town, he took that title from Dudley, and in adding Dudley Castle to it he had only stepped in the steps of his forefathers, and taken their precedent for his guidance. One happened to be in Worcestershire and the other in Staffordshire, although few people perhaps knew where the division of the counties was, and his only reason for acceding to what was proposed to him was that he was told he must name a place from which to take the title, and therefore he followed the precedent laid down for him. It was not only, however, that the occasion personally affected the town and himself, but it was that in so large a body as that deputation, there was a guarantee that there was a feeling abroad of the mutual benefit to be derived from the town having so much confidence in the nearest peer who happened to reside in the neighbourhood, and the fact that the peer would find he could not do without the support of his nearest neighbours. Perhaps in former times there was not so much real understanding of one another, and intimacy with one another, as had happily existed between himself and the town; he had fallen upon other times, when men were more closely drawn together by various ties but at any rate, he did not know any time when any deputation, representing so large a body, had come to Himley to offer congratulations upon any event connected with the family. After paying a very marked and highly eulogistic compliment to those who represented his house in the dignified manner he was proud to say they did, the noble Earl concluded by stating that the address presented that day would be placed amongst the papers of his family, and in his mind would be the most valuable of them, because it was a guarantee that the bonds of connection between the town of Dudley and himself would be drawn together more closely than ever.