I can no longer, however, remain silent, when I find that these persons are circulating statements with reference to me and my intentions, which are utterly false and unfounded. One of these statements is to the effect that I have announced (of course confidentially) that it is not my intention to offer myself again for the representation of Dudley. This I need hardly tell you is a wicked invention of the stealthy candidate or his agent. I therefore hasten to place you on your guard against, what our friend Louis Napoleon would call “false intelligence,” for you may be assured that it is in your hands alone I shall place my resignation, in the same open and straightforward manner in which I trust I have always met you, when the time for such a proceeding arrives.
Should the present crisis terminate in a dissolution I shall lose no time in committing my political interests to the care of those friends to whom I am indebted for the honor of representing your Borough, and whose confidence I am not conscious of having in any way either betrayed or forfeited.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, yours faithfully,
H. B. SHERIDAN.
House of Commons, May 15th, 1858.
THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM.
June 15th, 1858. Her Majesty the Queen this day opened the “People’s Park,” at Aston, a suburb of Birmingham. This being the first time a monarch had visited, in state, the Radical town of Birmingham, the good people of that busy town received their Queen in a right royal style. The Corporation, however, having a strong plebeian tendency, was much stirred within its Radical proclivities, as to how far it could sustain the cordiality and loyalty to the Sovereign, befitting her exalted station, without losing the smiles of its elective body. It meant one thing to shout “God Save the Queen,” and another thing to say “God preserve the People.” However, the procession was most imposing to the plebeian idea, and everything passed off very creditably, for the “Rough Brums” have stout, but tender hearts, and they were determined not to be behind other towns in shewing their loyalty to the Throne. It was said that the Queen was highly pleased with the reception accorded to her, and she did not forget to confer the handsome dignity of knighthood on the then Liberal Mayor of Birmingham, Mr. John Ratcliffe, who rose from his knees as the first belted knight of Birmingham. This gracious and courtly act was the source of much kindly feeling in the town, for the constant presence of “Sir John” in their daily walks helped to remind the liege burgesses of a most virtuous and gracious Queen, and the exaltation of their chief citizen to honour and dignity on a most memorable occasion.
June 26th, 1858. One hundred and fifty pounds was just now expended in cleaning, adorning and beautifying St. Edmund’s Church. This sum was raised by subscription amongst the congregation.
Died, July 1st, 1858, Mrs. W. C. Wood, High Street, very suddenly. Aged 58 years.