THE DUDLEY DISPENSARY.

1845. May 14. The foundation of this most valuable and humane institution bears date from this period. A public meeting of the inhabitants was held at the Town Hall, on May 14th, 1845, under the presidency of Edward Terry, Esq., the Mayor, “For the purpose of adopting such means as might be deemed best calculated to afford efficient medical relief gratuitously to indigent persons residing in the district, and especially of considering whether the establishment of a hospital at Dennis Park, to be called the Dudley and Stourbridge Hospital, be desirable or otherwise.” The subject was discussed with much animation and consideration for the wants of the indigent poor in the Dudley district. It was, moreover, considered that the wealth and kindly feeling of the inhabitants of Dudley and its immediate neighbourhood was a sufficient guarantee that a dispensary should and could be handsomely supported and maintained in the town of Dudley, irrespective of any pecuniary assistance from the Stourbridge district. After much discussion, the following resolutions were unanimously carried:—1st, “That in consequence of the distance of the intended hospital from this town and parish, such an institution would not be attended with so much advantage to Dudley and its immediate locality as a Dispensary.” 2nd, “That this meeting is fully of opinion that the establishment of a Dispensary to provide gratuitous medical assistance to those who are unable to procure professional relief for themselves, is the most desirable plan that can be adopted for this immediate district, and that a subscription be now opened to carry this object into effect.” The handsome sum of £178 was speedily collected in donations, and premises were taken in the Upper High Street at a rental of £40 per annum, and converted into a Public Dispensary. Mr. Richard Meredith was appointed the first resident Medical Officer, and the Institution was opened with an annual subscription list of £289. In 1860 it was deemed necessary to enlarge the usefulness of this charitable institution by erecting a more commodious building better adapted to its yearly increasing requirements. The noble Earl of Dudley, under the circumstances, presented the committee with a very eligible building site in the Priory Road; and that ever-to-be-remembered humble and unostentatious townsman, Joseph Guest, Esq., and friend to every good cause in Dudley, at once volunteered to erect the new dispensary at his sole cost. This noble and truly Christian offer was at once accepted, and the present Dudley Dispensary stands amongst us as a living testimony of the benevolent consideration of a worthy Dudley gentleman, the late Joseph Guest, Esq. It was said that the dispensary cost upwards of £1,600 in its erection. There is one feature in the management of this valuable institution which requires immediate rectification, viz., that a large number of patients who now derive benefit from this valuable institution are not the kind of people (the indigent poor) for whom it was originally established, and the rules of the institution are constantly broken by subscribers giving tickets to such applicants for medical relief.

Railway speculations, and numberless new railway projects cropped up all over the kingdom, and at Dudley we had the honour of entertaining what was called “The Battle of the Gauges,” a most scientific difference of opinion, “whether the Narrow Gauge, or the Broad Gauge,” was likely to be the most conducive to the public good. We had numerous private, and two public, meetings held to discuss this important question, inasmuch as two Railway lines were projected from Wolverhampton (via Dudley), to London and Bristol, &c. The one named the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway (Broad Gauge), the other was called the Tring Railway (Narrow Gauge), branching off to Birmingham in its route to London. After much ignorant conception and argument about the merits of each project (for we were entirely in the hands of the Speculators, Lawyers, and Engineers), it was unfortunately for the future advantage of Dudley decided to support the “Broad Gauge” (the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton line), which Bill passed the House of Lords on July 31st, 1845, and was commenced shortly afterwards.

1846. Mr. C. F. G. Clark, Chemist of this town, who had taken a very prominent part in supporting sound Odd Fellowship in this town and district, delivered a very luminous and entertaining lecture in the Lancaster School-room, Dudley (Dr. Browne, Vicar in the chair), “On the Origin, History and Principles of the Society of Odd Fellows.” This lecture (on a novel subject) attracted upwards of 500 of the public, and the clear, and lucid manner in which the lecturer stripped Odd Fellowship of many of its believed absurdities, and shewed “the advantages of a society, which not only affords a vast amount of assistance to its own members, but also relieves the Poor Rates, and other burdens upon parishes to an unparalleled extent, by teaching its members to be provident, sober, loyal, and industrious.” The profits of the sale of this lecture were given to the Widows and Orphans’ Fund, when upwards of £50 was added to that excellent Fund. Mr. Clark continued to lecture in this laudable cause for some years in this district.

“Odd Fellowship, M.U.—On Friday evening week, March 27th, 1846, a lecture was delivered in the Lancasterian School Room, Stafford Street, Dudley, by Mr. C. F. G. Clark, “On the Origin, History, and Principles of the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows.” The audience was very numerous, and the room, which is large, was well filled. The chair was taken by Dr. Browne, Vicar of Dudley, who briefly claimed for the lecturer a patient hearing. Mr. Clark opened his lecture with an introduction on the character of benefit societies in general, showing the superiority of Odd Fellowship over most other similar institutions. No society, he observed, that had ever been established in this country had afforded the amount of real benefit to its members which had been conferred by the Loyal and Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the Manchester Unity. He briefly noticed the origin of these institutions, expressing his opinion that they were to be traced from the Ancient Guilds, established by the church, in the time of the Saxons. He explained several of the laws of the societies of Guilds, and showed that they were established for a similar object to that of the societies of Odd Fellows. The Manchester Unity, he observed, was established in 1812 by twenty-seven working men, in Manchester, and remained in obscurity for some years, until in 1820 it was introduced into many of the large towns in the kingdom by the migrations of the Manchester brethren, and from that time its progress was rapid and signal. In 1838, it was introduced into Scotland, where it has been fostered with a spirit highly creditable to that far-seeing and intelligent people. In the Isle of Man, the doctrines of the Order had been so propagated that scarcely a man of any degree of station or character remained unconnected with it. There were upwards of 4,000 lodges in the Unity, and they were dispersed throughout Great Britain and Ireland, Malta, India, Australia, the Canadas, the United States of America, and other possessions of the British empire. In the year 1844 the society received into its funds £326,207, out of which was expended in purposes of relief £170,182, and for carrying on the extensive working of the system £71,420. Mr. Clark next noticed the system of government adopted by the institution, and most minutely explained the advantages arising from its completeness and comprehensiveness. He then called attention to several individual cases of benefit, and showed that Noah Clarke, of the Cumberland Lodge, received up to his death in 1843, upwards of £300 from the funds of the Cumberland Lodge, in the Manchester District. He noticed the objections which had been raised by many men to the Order, which he replied to with much ability. In closing his remarks, the lecturer noticed the benefit which the institution had afforded in Dudley. In the year 1842 and 1843, when trade was so bad, £432 3s. 3d. was paid on account of sickness and distress by the Wellington Lodge alone. During fifteen years and a half, David Pearson, of the Good Intent Lodge, held in High Street, had received upwards of £145; and Thomas Tomlinson, of the Wellington Lodge, in Stone Street, during fourteen years and a half, upwards of £120. He concluded by reading an eloquent tribute to the Order written by Dr. Wright, of Birmingham, and sat down amidst loud applause. Thanks were afterwards voted to the chairman for his kindness in presiding, and to Mr. Clark for his eloquent and instructive lecture.”—From the Birmingham Journal.

Died June 22nd, 1846, Mr. Jeffrey Finch, of Portersfield, Fender Manufacturer; a true specimen of a kind, genial, “Dudley man of ancient descent.” Aged 59 years.

Died June 24th, 1846, Mr. Rice, Castle Street. Aged 56 years.

1846. June 30th. The jury at Worcester Sessions awarded the sum of £3,440 to Mr. Ralph Musselwhite, Draper, for his shop and house being pulled down, standing on the Market flat, he demanding from the Dudley Town Commissioners £4,800!!!

1846. November 10th. A piece of very handsome silver plate was this day presented to Captain Wm. Bennett, of this town, as the result of a public subscription, “to mark the sense of his public services and worth.” The testimonial was presented by Lord Ward in a very complimentary speech.

Died February 1st, 1847, Mr. James Morris, Chemist and Druggist, of Dudley, a famous freemason. Aged 48 years.

Died March 22nd, 1847, old Mr. Wm. Fellowes, Senior, Castle Street. This old gentleman was a well known person in this town, and an acute lawyer in his day, with some eccentricity of character and thought. Aged 86 years.

In the month of June this year, it was quite evident in the political horizon that a dissolution of Parliament was at hand, and that our member, Mr. Jno. Benbow, M.P., would seek re-election; accordingly, on the 6th of July, the following address was freely circulated in the borough:—

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

A dissolution of Parliament being soon expected to take place, I hasten to solicit a renewal of that important trust which, in 1844, you kindly confided to me. During the period of my service in Parliament, I have ever been most anxious to prove my grateful sense of your generous confidence, by a diligent and faithful discharge of the duties which it imposed. On questions of national policy, which have been of more than ordinary magnitude, I have honestly supported those measures which the exigencies of the times, and the conflicting claims of the various interests of our free but complicated state seemed to me to demand; while in all that concerns your local interests it has been my constant endeavours to extend the trade and manufactures of your important town and neighbourhood, and to advance the general improvement of your borough. If by your suffrages I am again placed in the distinguished situation as your representative, it shall be my zealous aim to enhance your prosperity, and promote the welfare of our common country.

I have the honour to be,

Gentlemen,

Your faithful and obliged servant,

JOHN BENBOW.

July 6th, 1847.

Mr. Benbow, it was thought, was not going to have such an easy walk over, as his admirers had anticipated, for a Mr. Joseph Linney, an out and out Chartist, from Bilston, was trotted before admiring reformers by our old friend Mr. Samuel Cook, with the evident intent of embracing the opportunity of airing the Six Points of the Charter. On July 24th, this Bilston Firebrand issued a long-winded address to the Electors, embracing—

1. Universal Suffrage,

2. Vote by Ballot,

3. Annual Parliaments,

4. No Property Qualification,

5. Payment of Members,

6. Equal Electoral Districts.

In summing up his discourse, he says: “I have but to add in conclusion, that, if returned, I shall lend my support to those measures facilitating by Railroad and Cheap Postage the means of easy and rapid transmission and intercourse; thus I shall oppose all Foreign Wars not rendered necessary for self-defence or the purposes of humanity, and that I shall feel it my duty annually to present myself before the inhabitants of your Borough in public meeting assembled, and there to resign my trust into their hands, should such be the will of the majority.”

Now it so happened that Mr. Linney was a voluminous talker, and his free presence on the hustings with his friend, Samuel Cook, Mr. Wm. Insull, and kindred spirits, was looked forward to with dismay by one party, and hilarity by the other, for a turn of local fun was sure to arise in the public discussions. Another element of discord, also, arose amongst some of Mr. Benbow’s previous supporters, arising from the galling political dictation now assumed by the Priory influence. It was determined that if we were to be ridden by lordly influence that we would elect a local man whom we could trust to represent us, and it was at once determined to invite our own townsman, Mr. Thomas Badger, a very large employer of labour both in Dudley and the neighbourhood, to offer himself for the suffrages of the electors. Mr. Benbow and his friends became now thoroughly alarmed, and aroused to immediate action; for the old gentleman trudged down to Dudley to survey the situation, and at once issued the following laconic address:—

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.

Gentlemen,

The dissolution having ensued, I now wait upon you to ask your suffrages, and should I be kindly favoured with a renewal of your confidence, so as to be again enabled to discharge the important duties which will devolve upon your representative in Parliament, you may rest assured that I will endeavour to repay the obligation by all the means in my power.

I am,

Your most obedient servant,

JOHN BENBOW.

Dudley, July 24th, 1847

The political freedom of Dudley was now in the throes of life, or death; and whilst our highly respected townsman, Mr. Badger, was counting the cost, and rehearsing in his mind the past experience of his friend Mr. Hawkes, late M.P. for Dudley, in Parliamentary matters, the following “Curiosities of Dudley” appeared before the disturbed Electors.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

To the Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley.

Gentlemen,

A dissolution of Parliament is at hand, and I hear of no other candidate for our suffrages besides our present Member. Is it not, however, worthy of enquiry, if this gentleman, a London Lawyer, a nominee, and personally unknown to the great majority of you, is the man of your choice, and a proper representative of your wants and interests in Parliament, and has he fair claims to be re-elected by you?

To justify these claims, what have been his doings since he held his seat for this borough? What has he done for the country at large, or for the constituency he represents? When the most momentous question that could be raised in a Protestant country was agitated—the revival of Popery in the endowment of the Papist College of Maynooth, was he at his post to defend the strongest bulwark of our national prosperity and glory—our reformed Christianity—or did he not skulk behind the scenes at each division on this vital question—and, by an ignoble silence, allow that measure which opens a broad inroad to the triumph of Popery, to pass without his vote? Is such a man worthy of the confidence of a Protestant constituency?—And in what other measure of national importance, and for the welfare of the people, has he taken any part? As to matters of local interest, his conduct in the case of the Bill for the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway will not soon be forgotten. To this measure, which promised the greatest benefit to the town and district, and which was hailed and supported by a vast majority of his constituents, he presented the most determined, unwearied and implacable opposition, and ever since it has passed has continued to throw every obstacle which malice or litigation could invent in the way of its progress. I say nothing to a number of other matters of local concernment, which, in proportion to their importance, redound as little to his credit.

And what has been his bearing towards those of his constituents who have held any official intercourse with him? Strong, or fancying himself so, in the interest of his patron, he has looked down upon them, if not with positive contempt, with the most supercilious indifference—riding rough-shod over them, their opinions, and their wishes, in the pure style of an “Irresponsible.” Too haughty to listen to their petitions, and acknowledging no one’s judgment or will but his own, his career has been as that of a tyrant among a nation of serfs. And yet he has the hardihood to offer himself again to the suffrages of these insulted constituents, and, strange to say, they seem prepared to sit down in this state of degradation.

But I shall be told that the honourable member has done great things for our borough, and that he has made full atonement for all his sins, in procuring from his patron—(one would think they were his own gift, if the selfishness of his nature were not too well known)—sites for a prison, schools, &c. And does he, or will you, my fellow electors, rob the noble head of the house of Dudley of these acts of justice and benevolence, or will you ascribe to the agent the act of the principal? Had MR. BENBOW never heard of that honourable name, I hesitate not to aver, that the borough of Dudley had been no loser at all in the matter.

Is he, then, I repeat, the man who ought to represent us in Parliament? And have we no one among ourselves equally, or better, qualified to support our interests, and to whom some debt, not of reproach, but of public gratitude is due? I think we have, and I would name THOMAS BADGER, Esq., as one. No man is better acquainted with the interests and wants of our borough than he is, and no man has exerted himself so much and successfully to promote them, or would labour more faithfully and zealously in support of those wants and interests. Living all his life among us, his character is well known to be unimpeached and unimpeachable.—Strong and clear in his judgment, firm and decided in his principles and proceedings, and well experienced, by years and business, in the knowledge of our commerce, and of men and things, and with a property sufficient to place him above temptation, he is well-fitted to serve the interests of his neighbours and his country. I do not know that he would accept the trust, but I think he ought to be invited to do so, and I throw out this hint in the hope that it may be taken up and succeed.

AN INDEPENDENT ELECTOR OF DUDLEY.

Dudley, July 20, 1847.

DUDLEY ELECTION.

A word in the Ear of an Independent Elector of Dudley.

My Dear “Independent,”

What a funny fellow you are! Asking at this time of the day, if Mr. Benbow is the man of the choice of the Dudley Independent Electors? And whether he is not “a nominee?” What fun! To ask if these things are not “worthy of enquiry?” You droll dog! Ask whether the sun shines? “What has he done for the country at large, or for the constituency he represents?” I fearlessly answer he has done his duty. “Nominees” attend to the interests of those who nominate them. And has he not perseveringly upheld the interests of his patron in all the railway struggle? What had the “vast majority of his constituents” to do with the matter? True it is, he opposed the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway Bill, which was hailed and supported by a vast majority of his constituents, and that he continues “the most determined, unwearied, and implacable opposition” to it; but yet he will be re-elected without opposition; clearly showing it is no business of theirs. The line of Railway Mr. Benbow supported was the most beneficial for Lord Ward’s estates, and that is one and the same thing as the Borough of Dudley. Could the constituency expect more? His conduct respecting the endowment of the “Papist College of Maynooth,” may have been, from what is known, more independent! We know not what Lord Ward’s opinions on this subject are:—and Mr Benbow, may, in this instance, have equally disregarded the opinions of the “Independent Electors of Dudley,” and of his Patron. Whether they were alarmed at “the revival of Popery,” or simply objected to the grant of the public money for an exclusively sectarian religious education, he may, in this instance, have voted to please himself! ’Tis clear the “Independent Electors” had nothing to do with it.

You forgot the Corn-law affair! The “Independent electors,” at the last election, returned Mr. Benbow in opposition to Mr. Rawson, the enthusiastic Treasurer of the Anti-Corn Law League, expressly to uphold those laws, and “protect native industry;” and he voted for their total abolition! ’Tis true in so doing he showed a similarity of opinion between himself and Lord Ward;—and a decided diversity between himself and his “Independent” supporters! In return for his independent conduct, his “Independent” supporters, will again vote for, and elect him Member for Dudley. Never before was such a band of disinterested Patriots known! Among them stands pre-eminent, Thomas Badger, Esq., selected by you as a proper person to oppose Mr. Benbow! In homely language, you have selected him to “bell the cat?” There are rumours afloat of the deliberations of the council when this measure was proposed! And if there be truth in these rumours, these deliberations came to a similar result with those of the mouse council! viz., that the advice was very bold, but its execution, by any member of the council, hopeless. I thought you too severe here. To look for any electors of the Borough of Dudley, who approve of Mr. Badger’s political principles, of sufficient courage and independence to oppose the Himley Influence was too bad. Mr. Badger would repudiate any such admirer.

Mr. Benbow is the man for Dudley. ’Tis true he voted for the extended Grant to Maynooth, in opposition to many of his supporters: no matter;—they will generously support him as before! ’Tis true he broke all his pledges to uphold the Corn Laws to the disgust and indignation of his “independent” supporters: no matter;—they will rally round him at the hustings! ’Tis true he opposed himself to the interests and wishes of the great majority of the electors and inhabitants of the Borough in the Railway affair: no matter;—they dare not vote against him at the poll! ’Tis true he has neglected the interests of his nominal constituents whilst living: no matter;—he has procured from his patron the grant of burial grounds, without charge, for their benefit, when dead he provided them with graves; ’Tis true; the independence of the Borough is utterly destroyed: no matter;—Mr. Benbow, like a generous enemy, has provided a decent burial!

When you next write, be guarded in what you say; Mr. Benbow may find you out; although you do not sign your name, and although you cut off the Printer’s name and address: he is so sharp. And woe betide any one he catches tripping.

Your sincere friend,

A BROTHER “INDEPENDENT.”

Dudley, July 22, 1847.

“Dudley Castle in Modern Times.”

A NEW FARCE IN ONE ACT,

After Shakespeare.

Scene.—A Room in Smith’s Hotel.

Characters.

Enter ISAAC (musing) with the Standard paper in his hand.

Isaac. Gentlemen, I come no more to make you laugh, things that bear a weighty and serious brow, full of state and woe, such scenes as draw the eyes to tears, we now present. This paper tells me that the Queen hath now dismissed her faithless Parliament, once more to meet the public eye, and he whom we so lovingly raised to the honour, and safe keeping of our state and consciences, comes here again to seek our love, which he hath thus so shamefully abused. We must be up and doing, else the unmitigated errors of our former deeds will cloud the bright honour of our party. What say you friends to another Candidate for our purpose? (Yes! yes!! yes!!!)

Mayor (reading his speech.) Most willingly my friends I would obey the councils of our party, and having heard our friends speak highly of our worthy Tom, as one in whom the inmost secrets of our hearts and wishes may be safely hid; one that will our interests truly represent, despite the reasonings of the vulgar herd; one that will faithfully uphold our holy church against the Papal Powers and low dissent; one that has claim upon our love for long tried services and renown, and whose ambition is but laudably upright; this is the man in whom we can confide. I therefore do most thankfully propose him as our future Senator. (Immense cheering, clapping of hands, and stamping of feet.)

Isaac. This is the happiest moment of my life, the head and front of our noble house is thus most justly to attain his high rank in the bold field of senatorial fame. Oh! how toil of former years will thus recline upon laurels so nobly won; and our famed house, whose ancestors we can from yore bring down, will now be upward raised to honour, fame and senatorial power. I do my friends most cordially approve your choice.

Chartist. Most reverend, grave and noble gentlemen, I would intrude upon your presence, and a round unvarnished tale unfold, concerning him on whose behalf I am constrained to speak. Unkindly given to that Bending-Bow, whose bearing to my admonitions have been sadly coarse, and whose independence ill-becomes his place; his confidence I do now abjure, and leave him to his merited deserts. But, whilst my honoured friend Tom, whose mighty hand I have so often felt, stands high with us for Magistraterial worth, yet sadly he doth lack those senatorial powers which constitute the wisdom of our state. He whom I do now propose, so gentle he in Spirits, mild in speech, so clear in judgment, correct in our cause, so free from fetters, and unbiassed in mind; he can our cause uphold, and justly raise our state and interests to our wishes. I do therefore propose my friend Spirits as our future representative. (Immense murmuring.)

Molley. Why murmur thus my friends, for this ambitious wish by him whom we so oft have cause to praise for his discretion, probity, and talents. It ill-becometh one, like me, who hath derived so much unmerited power and distinction from our noble Tom, to try to stem the flood of his most honoured course; but know ye not that divers sayings we do hear abroad of the little relish the gentle burgesses have for his name? The trumpet that was sounded for the object of our choice falls dull upon the public ear; and rumour, with her slanderous tongue, talks loud of bye-gone bigotry,—party purposes, uncourteous bearing,—revengeful feelings,—which were wont to emanate from his noble house; besides, the foul slur that he doth lack the talent, knowledge, and the like, which ought to fit him for St. Stephen’s Hall. These things behove us to be on our guard against the common enemy, and remember our cause, the church, our privileges, our private interests, above all the public weal, demands that cheated once out of our former loves, we should send one to Parliament in whom we can confide. Perchance our Tom might lose the day, but if by trickery, electioneering evils, false faces, and designing deeds, we can them all outwit and send our man, the game is then our own. These potent reasons do constrain me to support another candidate; besides, in starting two into the field, we shall mislead the enemy; perchance in losing Tom, the other we may securely gain; and by our Chartist friend our cause upholding, it augurs well for the relish that doth show itself in the ungodly camp of the rabble herd; for their support may thus be safely brought unto our aid. I would beseech you to adopt this course, and give our Spirituous friend the benefit of your close alliance.

Tom (rising with great emotion.) Rude am I in speech, and little blessed with the set phrase of courtliness, but I do requite you for your love to me. I did not go into this matter, but by the learned approbation of my friends; and if I am traduced by tongues, which neither know my faculties nor person, yet will be the chroniclers of my doings, let me say it is but the fate of place, and the rough brake that virtue must go through. We must not stint our necessary actions in the fear to cope malicious usurers, which ever as ravenous fishes do a vessel follow, longing for the leaden corpse thrown over. My ambitious spirit, aided by your weighty counsels, led me to suppose that my success was certain. They do me wrong that complain unto the people that I am stern and love them not, that fill their ears with dissentious rumours; because I cannot flatter and speak fair, smile in men’s faces with an apish courtesy, thus I must be held a rancorous enemy. Cannot a plain man live and think no harm, but thus his simple truth must be abused by silken, sly, insinuating snobs. I will forego this proffered seat, and leave my younger friend to win the day.

George Wesley (beseechingly.) Know, then, that it is your fault that you resign this seat; your state of fortune, and your birth’s due demand your acquiescence. Pray, I beseech you, to revise your thoughts and think this noble Isle doth want her proper limbs. This Bending-Bow whom our manners call the member—more bitterly could I expostulate, save that for reverence sake to some alive I give a sparing limit to my tongue. Come, then, dear Tom, take to yourself this unfettered seat of honour, this proffered benefit of dignity, if not to bless us and the land withal, yet to draw forth your noble ancestry from the corruption of abusing time, into a lineal true derived course.

Tom (angrily.) I cannot tell if to depart in silence or bitterly to speak in your reproof best fitteth my degree, for tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yieldeth to bear the golden yoke of membership which fondly you would thrust upon me. Definitely thus I tell you. Your love deserves my thanks, but my deserts unmeritable shun your high request; but if all obstacles were cut away, and my path were even to the seat, I the sceptre would lay hold, and rid you of your fears. Alas! I am, they say, unfit for state and dignity. I do beseech you take it not amiss, I cannot, nor I will not, yield to your entreaties. (Lamentations.)

Bill. You are, my sire, too ceremonious for the times; weigh it but with the grossness of the age; you break no faith in serving on this seat; besides, the benefit is always granted to those who have the wit to claim the place. This Bending-Bow hath neither claimed it nor deserved it; then taking it from him you serve the public most, and thereby elevate our noble house.

Chartist (with much impatience.) I do beseech you hear the sentiments of our spirituous friend.

Spirits (rising with great gravity.) My election sure, my honour elevated, and your dear wishes realized, I will requite your honoured favours. “A life devoted to your service and the cause of liberty, an advocate for the people’s rights, and a recourse to physical force in agitating times, are the principles upon which I solicit your support. (Cheers from Chartist.) Faithfully attached to the unlimited favour of the people, an enemy to that hydra of all religious toleration (the Church by law established), considering the connexion betwixt Church and State, a libel upon the freedom, and a disgrace to this country. I deem the advocacy of politics by men who have devoted their lives to the service of God (as is witnessed in the House of Lords), as a shameful surveillance to the integrity of that section of the executive, for its interference is tinctured with the bigotry of the schools, and its existence overawes the weak and imbecile opinions of the expectant recipients of Church patronage. Considering the present franchise a mockery upon the political rights of the people, as exclusive in its operations, and venal in its results, I shall endeavour to extend the franchise to both sexes after they have left school. (Immense cheering, with marked disapprobation from Tom and Isaac.) Freedom of election being the bulwark of independence, I look upon the system of representation as practised in this borough, and the herd-like manner in which white slaves are driven about like cattle, according to the motives of the noble proprietor, or the interests of a small section of the electors; as a violation of the sacred rights of man, and a farcical performance calculated to revolutionize the organisation of society at large. Gentlemen, nay, my constituency! let us leave man, the noblest attribute of the Divine origin in the freedom of his birth, the unfettered exercise of his mind, and the full powers of his physical and gastronomical faculties. (Mingled shouts of applause, and prayerful groanings from George Wesley.) Gentlemen, don’t pledge your consciences for party and base purposes. (Cheers.) Beware of peerage interference with your noble rights. (Cheers.) Rally round the standard of liberty; give me your unqualified support and alliance, and I will retrieve our lost influence.” (Prolonged cheering, during which time Spirits calls for some gin and water.)

Lord Priory (entering late, and much excited.) What work is this, my countrymen, in hand. Where go ye,—what do ye,—speak, I pray you. I tell you, friends, most charitable care hath the Member for you; you might as well strike at the heavens with staves as try to unseat him. You do us wrong to thus traduce our deeds before you hear our reasons; either you must confess yourselves wondrous malicious, or be accused of folly. Beware, friend Tom, of false ambition, unmerited deserts, and silly men. Our member’s course has been to win ye all, and thus retain your loves; but sadly ye do now requite him for his care. Past services, present local advantages, and expectant hopes, you bury in the deep malice of your bridled minds. Beware the ire of our noble house,—beware the malice of our blasted hopes, upon your puny heads. What would ye have, ye curs? that like not war nor peace; the one affrights you, the other makes you proud. He that trusts you where he should find you lions, finds you hares; where foxes, silly geese. He who deserves greatness gets your hate, and your affections are like a sick man’s appetite, who desires most of that which would increase his evil. He that depends upon your favours, swims with fins of lead, and hews down oaks with rushes. Trust ye, ah! with every minute you do change your mind, and call him noble that was once your hate; him vile that was once your friend. What is the reason that in these several places of the city you cry against our noble senators. Shame you not for this unnatural alliance; remember whom you take withal into your puny councils, and reconsider your uncourteous ways.

Chartist (greatly excited.) A thing devised by the enemy, thus this babbler wishes to over-awe us. Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge; let not such babblers affright our souls; conscience is but a word that cowards use, devised at first to keep the strong in awe. Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law; march on, join bravely; let us to the pell-mell, not to lose, but hand in hand to win. (Immense shouting.)

Enter Messenger (breathless.) Gentlemen, gentlemen, Mr. Benbow has just entered the town!!!

Molley. Friends, where shall we meet to-morrow?

Isaac. Oh, at my house, at ten.

All. We will be there in time. Till then, adieu.

“A LOOKER ON IN DUDLEY.”

July 22nd, 1847.

Such was the literary talent evoked, which helped to keep alive a little electioneering excitement, under an almost foregone conclusion, for Mr. Badger had declined to be put in nomination—although it was almost certain he would have been elected—so Mr. Benbow had only one opponent to face on the hustings, his Chartist antagonist, Mr. Joseph Linney. The nomination day came, surrounded with all the tactics celebrated in the house of Himley; the two candidates had their say, the mob and electors had their fun and bonnetting. Mr. Joseph Linney was elected by the show of hands, by a large majority; the usual poll was demanded, and the day and time fixed upon, but, alas! for human greatness, poor Mr. Linney could not find the necessary guarantee (funds) for his election expenses, and his friends and admirers were in the same plight, so before the polling commenced, it oozed out that Mr. Linney had retired from the contest, leaving the old member master of the field. Thus, Mr. Benbow was again returned the member for the Castle interest in another Parliament.

Much dissatisfaction was felt at this election, by both Tories and Reformers, at the apparent intention to stamp out that small spark of political freedom, whenever it was wafted by a little political breeze, and, as might became right, there was no redemption then from a thraldom which was afterwards so signally revenged by both political parties on the house of Himley in 1857.

The Irish famine and distress, in the winter of 1846-47, in the southern and western counties of Ireland, had awakened profound sympathy and benevolence throughout the nation; and Old Dudley was not backward in her material pecuniary assistance on this memorable occasion. A public meeting was convened by the mayor (James Fisher, Esq.), and a numerous committee was at once formed to canvass the town for liberal subscriptions to the “Irish Relief Fund.” At the close of the canvass, March, 1847, it was announced that the handsome sum of £655 2s. had been collected for this very deserving object.

Died, September 10th, 1847, at 11 a.m., having dropped down dead in the street, old Mr. Stevenson, tailor, of Queen Street. Aged 77 years.

Died, September 24th, 1847, a well-known feature in the Market Place, old Mr. Morris, of the “Jolly Colliers” Inn. Aged 87 years.

Died, September 26th, 1847, Mr. Cole, the keeper, and visitors’ guide to the Castle Grounds; this old familiar townsman had been for many years the butler at Himley Park. Aged 86 years. It was through the strenuous and oft-repeated wish of John Maughan, Esq., the estates land agent, and Mr. Cole, that Mr. C. F. G. Clark, chemist, in the Market Place, was induced in 1846 to write and compile the “Dudley Castle Guide Book;” a condensed history of the Castle, which was much needed by visitors to our fine old feudal ruins, and delightful sylvan walks and drives along the Castle Grounds. This popular Guide Book has now attained its Fifteenth edition, and retains its long-won favours and popularity.

1847. October 19th. A public testimonial of very valuable books, handsomely bound, was presented to Charles Twamley, Esq., Solicitor of this town, to mark the sense of kindly and generous feeling exhibited towards him by all classes of the inhabitants. Mr. Chas. Twamley’s removal to the lucrative appointment of Registrar of the Lambeth County Court was a source of much regret to his political friends (Radicals), for Mr. Twamley had always been a prominent leader and Reformer in the borough. Mr. Twamley was a scientific Geologist, and often lectured on that exhaustive subject; he also was a very prominent founder, along with others, of the Dudley Geological Society in New Street, which is now transferred to the New Mechanics’ Institute. Mr. Twamley’s charming and painstaking research in his History of Dudley Castle and the Priory, in 1867, will always stamp his history as superior to any others, having cleared away a host of illfounded surmises by the late Dr. Booker in his florid history. His lectures on the Silurian Formation and the Coal Measures are most learned and instructive, and invaluable to the Geological Student.

Died, November 15th, 1847, Mr. O. Gilbert Shaw, of the “Barrel Inn,” High Street, much respected by all parties. Aged 69 years.

Died, November 22nd, 1847, Miss Louisa Elkins, sister of Mrs. Dr. Johnson, Castle Street. This unhappy young lady procured in the night, from Dr. Johnson’s Surgery, a quantity of prussic acid, which she took up into her bed room and swallowed, death ensuing at once. Aged 22 years.

On Wednesday, November 24th, 1847, the recently built Gothic Trinity Presbyterian Church, situated in Wolverhampton Street, was publicly opened for divine worship with considerable ceremony. The Rev. Wm. Chalmers and the Rev. John Weir, both from London, were the preachers, and the Rev. George Lewis, Minister of the Church, assisted. This new Gothic edifice was considered quite a feature of prominence in the street. Mr. Lewis continued for a number of years to be a most zealous and acceptable preacher in this church to his fellow countrymen.

November 29th, 1847. A Public Meeting was held by requisition to the Mayor, Elliott Hollier, Esq., “to take into consideration the propriety of endeavouring to make such alterations in the days the Fairs in the town are held, and also of having an additional Fair in the year.”

1847, December 4th. The Vicar (Dr. Browne) publically announced that the “Parochial National Schools,” recently erected in Upper King Street, would be opened for the education of children of the poorer classes after Christmas. 1st class children charged 2d. per week; 2nd, 4d.; 3rd, 6d. Adult schools for male and females were opened shortly afterwards. This National School has been a source of immense educational good in this parish.

1847, December 1st. There was a general reduction of 20 per cent. in wages, both in the Coal and Iron trade. The slackness of trade and the great distress and want amongst the working classes, was most perplexing and distressing, and the local failures in the Iron trade became alarming.