TO THE RATEPAYERS OF ST. EDMUND’S DISTRICT, DUDLEY.Dissenters,The Churchwardens of this District have been defeated this day at the Vestry, in attempting to impose upon you a Rate of FIVEPENCE IN THE POUND. The Churchwardens have demanded a poll, to obtain the Votes of the District generally upon the matter, to take place in theVestry of St. Edmund’s Church, on Tuesday next, at Ten o’clock in the morning.Will you suffer in silence another of these fearful infractions on common sense and common justice to be thrust down your throats? Defeat this mean, shabby means of the Churchwardens to obtain money for them and their Church-going brethren to worship God in what they are pleased to call, most strangely, “the beauty of holiness,” at your expense.Churchmen,If you cannot poll against this Rate, stay at home, and show by your silence, that your good sense and common duty of man toward man are sadly wounded by this reflection upon either your want of means or want of principle to worship your God with clean hands and a clean heart, without forcing your unwilling and conscientious neighbours to pay towards what, if you love your God “in spirit and in truth, you would shrink from with fear and trembling.”A CONSCIENTIOUS DISSENTER.March 19th, 1852.GO TO THE POLL AT THE TIME APPOINTED.CHURCH RATE MEETING.A Poll Demanded.A meeting of the ratepayers of this parish was held on Thursday last in the vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, for the purpose of granting a church rate of sixpence in the pound, to meet the expenses of the ensuing year. The Rev. Dr. Browne, the vicar, occupied the chair. Mr. Hollier, the people’s warden, read the account of the present year’s receipts and expenditure up to Easter; from which it appeared that the expenses for salaries, &c., for the various churches amounted to £364 and upwards, that there was about £212 which had to be provided out of the arrears of the last rate. It also appeared that the further sum of £423 was due to other persons in the parish. After a few remarks from the Chairman upon the apparent hardship inflicted upon those who had paid, while others had not paid the rate, (and in which Mr. Steedman concurred), the rev. gentleman stated that during the seven years he had resided in the parish nochurch rate higher than 5d. in the pound had been granted, except that when a rate of 10d. in the pound was granted, this extended over a period of two years. He then referred to the improvements effected, alluding particularly (inter alia) to the wall surrounding the burial ground, and where nobody could be refused interment. Mr. Pattison here observed that the 10d. rate referred to was granted for the purpose of paying the bills of Mr. Holland, builder, and Mr. Powell, painter, and inquired what was still owing to them, when Mr. Hollier stated that a sum of £66 was due to Mr. Holland, and £60 to Mr. Powell, and after giving a summary of the expenses incurred in connection with the churches, Mr. Hollier further stated that he had not broken faith with the parishioners on his first appointment to office; that the expenses had been always carefully looked to; nor had he asked for a greater rate than 6d. in the pound. Mr. Pattison submitted that he had not done his duty in not enforcing the rate from those who refused, and yet were well able to pay; the churchwardens had the law upon their side, and they ought to enforce it. Mr Hollier expressed his unwillingness to distrain upon parties if it could be possibly avoided. The office of churchwarden had not been sought by him, but was thrust upon him, and he should only be too happy to be relieved from its cares and responsibilities. The Chairman then read a resolution which had been very recently entered upon the vestry book, to the effect that all persons able to pay the church rate should be compelled to do so. After further remarks, resulting in an animated but good humoured discussion, Mr. Hollier proposed a rate of 6d. in the pound, which was seconded by Mr. W. Sheppard. It was then proposed as an amendment (the Rev. Chairman, however, declining to put it to the meetingas an amendment, on the ground that a penny rate was quite insufficient to meet the expenses,) on the motion of Mr. J. Finch, seconded by Mr. D. Lloyd, that a rate of a penny in the pound be granted. Mr. Lloyd enquired the necessity for the present meeting if the amendment was not to be put, to which the Chairman observed that the meeting was called for the purpose of granting a 6d. rate, and nothing else; whereupon Mr. T. Stanley remarked that they (the opponents of the sixpenny rate) “were like sheep driven to the slaughter.” Mr. Hollier stated that if a penny rate were granted, similar meetings might take place week after week. The rev. Chairman (after some remarks about a poll being demanded, and having stated that a minority could grant a church rate) was then asked what was the use or necessity of a poll at all; to which he facetiously replied, “for amusement;” an announcement which was received with much laughter. Mr. Insull then asked whether it was legal for the meeting to propose either a greater or a less rate than the one sought for. The Chairman answered that as to a greater, he was not sure, but certainly not a less rate. T. Fereday Esq., the other churchwarden, here remarked that the object of the meeting was to grant a sixpenny rate, and if refused by the meeting, the better way was to go to the poll. The Chairman then put the penny rate to the meeting, and afterwards the sixpennyrate; when, on a show of hands, a majority appeared to be decidedly in favour of the penny rate. Mr. Hollier then demanded a poll, which was instituted immediately. Mr. Lloyd urged the propriety of the meeting being adjourned to the Old Town Hall. This, however, was overruled, as the Guardians were stated to be using it at that time. The Chairman stated that no ratepayers would be entitled to vote unless not only the previous poor rate, but also the last church and highway rates were paid, a legal point upon which the majority of the meeting differed, contending that the payment of the poor rate was only the test of qualification. It was at length agreed that the polling should take place at the vestry, and that all votes tendered should be taken on payment of the previous poor rate, the votes being afterward subjected to a scrutiny. The poll immediately commenced, and was kept up till five o’clock, when it closed for that day. The numbers were then as follows:—For the penny rate, 78: for the sixpenny rate, 91. The poll will be resumed to-day (Saturday), and will continue from ten o’clock a.m. till five o’clock p.m., and will be again resumed on Monday, at ten o’clock, finally closing at 12 o’clock at noon. The best feeling seems to be manifested by all parties.
TO THE RATEPAYERS OF ST. EDMUND’S DISTRICT, DUDLEY.
Dissenters,
The Churchwardens of this District have been defeated this day at the Vestry, in attempting to impose upon you a Rate of FIVEPENCE IN THE POUND. The Churchwardens have demanded a poll, to obtain the Votes of the District generally upon the matter, to take place in theVestry of St. Edmund’s Church, on Tuesday next, at Ten o’clock in the morning.
Will you suffer in silence another of these fearful infractions on common sense and common justice to be thrust down your throats? Defeat this mean, shabby means of the Churchwardens to obtain money for them and their Church-going brethren to worship God in what they are pleased to call, most strangely, “the beauty of holiness,” at your expense.
Churchmen,
If you cannot poll against this Rate, stay at home, and show by your silence, that your good sense and common duty of man toward man are sadly wounded by this reflection upon either your want of means or want of principle to worship your God with clean hands and a clean heart, without forcing your unwilling and conscientious neighbours to pay towards what, if you love your God “in spirit and in truth, you would shrink from with fear and trembling.”
A CONSCIENTIOUS DISSENTER.
March 19th, 1852.
GO TO THE POLL AT THE TIME APPOINTED.
CHURCH RATE MEETING.
A Poll Demanded.
A meeting of the ratepayers of this parish was held on Thursday last in the vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, for the purpose of granting a church rate of sixpence in the pound, to meet the expenses of the ensuing year. The Rev. Dr. Browne, the vicar, occupied the chair. Mr. Hollier, the people’s warden, read the account of the present year’s receipts and expenditure up to Easter; from which it appeared that the expenses for salaries, &c., for the various churches amounted to £364 and upwards, that there was about £212 which had to be provided out of the arrears of the last rate. It also appeared that the further sum of £423 was due to other persons in the parish. After a few remarks from the Chairman upon the apparent hardship inflicted upon those who had paid, while others had not paid the rate, (and in which Mr. Steedman concurred), the rev. gentleman stated that during the seven years he had resided in the parish nochurch rate higher than 5d. in the pound had been granted, except that when a rate of 10d. in the pound was granted, this extended over a period of two years. He then referred to the improvements effected, alluding particularly (inter alia) to the wall surrounding the burial ground, and where nobody could be refused interment. Mr. Pattison here observed that the 10d. rate referred to was granted for the purpose of paying the bills of Mr. Holland, builder, and Mr. Powell, painter, and inquired what was still owing to them, when Mr. Hollier stated that a sum of £66 was due to Mr. Holland, and £60 to Mr. Powell, and after giving a summary of the expenses incurred in connection with the churches, Mr. Hollier further stated that he had not broken faith with the parishioners on his first appointment to office; that the expenses had been always carefully looked to; nor had he asked for a greater rate than 6d. in the pound. Mr. Pattison submitted that he had not done his duty in not enforcing the rate from those who refused, and yet were well able to pay; the churchwardens had the law upon their side, and they ought to enforce it. Mr Hollier expressed his unwillingness to distrain upon parties if it could be possibly avoided. The office of churchwarden had not been sought by him, but was thrust upon him, and he should only be too happy to be relieved from its cares and responsibilities. The Chairman then read a resolution which had been very recently entered upon the vestry book, to the effect that all persons able to pay the church rate should be compelled to do so. After further remarks, resulting in an animated but good humoured discussion, Mr. Hollier proposed a rate of 6d. in the pound, which was seconded by Mr. W. Sheppard. It was then proposed as an amendment (the Rev. Chairman, however, declining to put it to the meetingas an amendment, on the ground that a penny rate was quite insufficient to meet the expenses,) on the motion of Mr. J. Finch, seconded by Mr. D. Lloyd, that a rate of a penny in the pound be granted. Mr. Lloyd enquired the necessity for the present meeting if the amendment was not to be put, to which the Chairman observed that the meeting was called for the purpose of granting a 6d. rate, and nothing else; whereupon Mr. T. Stanley remarked that they (the opponents of the sixpenny rate) “were like sheep driven to the slaughter.” Mr. Hollier stated that if a penny rate were granted, similar meetings might take place week after week. The rev. Chairman (after some remarks about a poll being demanded, and having stated that a minority could grant a church rate) was then asked what was the use or necessity of a poll at all; to which he facetiously replied, “for amusement;” an announcement which was received with much laughter. Mr. Insull then asked whether it was legal for the meeting to propose either a greater or a less rate than the one sought for. The Chairman answered that as to a greater, he was not sure, but certainly not a less rate. T. Fereday Esq., the other churchwarden, here remarked that the object of the meeting was to grant a sixpenny rate, and if refused by the meeting, the better way was to go to the poll. The Chairman then put the penny rate to the meeting, and afterwards the sixpennyrate; when, on a show of hands, a majority appeared to be decidedly in favour of the penny rate. Mr. Hollier then demanded a poll, which was instituted immediately. Mr. Lloyd urged the propriety of the meeting being adjourned to the Old Town Hall. This, however, was overruled, as the Guardians were stated to be using it at that time. The Chairman stated that no ratepayers would be entitled to vote unless not only the previous poor rate, but also the last church and highway rates were paid, a legal point upon which the majority of the meeting differed, contending that the payment of the poor rate was only the test of qualification. It was at length agreed that the polling should take place at the vestry, and that all votes tendered should be taken on payment of the previous poor rate, the votes being afterward subjected to a scrutiny. The poll immediately commenced, and was kept up till five o’clock, when it closed for that day. The numbers were then as follows:—For the penny rate, 78: for the sixpenny rate, 91. The poll will be resumed to-day (Saturday), and will continue from ten o’clock a.m. till five o’clock p.m., and will be again resumed on Monday, at ten o’clock, finally closing at 12 o’clock at noon. The best feeling seems to be manifested by all parties.
April 10th, 1852. There was a majority of 98 against this rate.
CHURCH RATES.Ratepayers of Dudley,At the Vestry Meeting held this morning, for the purpose of imposing a Sixpenny Rate, an amendment for a Penny Rate was moved, and almost unanimously carried by a show of hands. The Churchwardens demanded aPoll, which is now going on at the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church.Embrace the present opportunity! Lose no time! All who conscientiously oppose this exorbitant tax, hasten and Vote for the Penny Rate! All Poor Rates that have been demanded must be paid previous to voting. The Polling will be kept open till five o’clock this afternoon. Attend the Public Meeting at the Swan Inn, this evening at 8 o’clock.Thursday, April the 8th, 1852.DUDLEY CHURCH RATES.The Friends of Religious Liberty are requested to attend,as early as possible, at theVestry Room of St. Thomas’s Church, between the hours of from Ten till Four on Saturday, April 10th, 1852, or from Ten till Twelve on Monday, April 12th, 1852, toVote for the Penny Rate, instead of the Sixpenny Rate.Go to the Poll Early, andVictory is Certain!!Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley.THE CHURCH RATE CRISIS!“Coming events cast their shadows before.”—Cato.Yea, and the fangs of an Ecclesiastical Court will attest their realities in the pockets of unfledged Anti-Church Rate victims.Brother Dissenters,The last two months has witnessed a vigorous and legitimate opposition on our part to that detestable of all Taxation, the Church Rate. Our triumphant success at the poll in St. Thomas’s district has incontestably proved to all parties, that the imposition of this taxrests alone with the Ratepayers, and that, as hitherto, a merevestry coterieshall not tax the conscientious Dissenter withoutfirstgiving him the honest and Englishman-like opportunity of ascertaining for what purpose he is to be taxed.The fact having now been fully established, the staff having now been really placed in the hands of the Ratepayers, it becomes a question of the mostvital pecuniary, as well aspublicandlegal, consideration, how far we are morally justified in further resisting theclaims of a Church Established by Law; after we have lately testified that those claims shall first receive our sanction and approval at the tribunal of a parish poll.Fellow Christians, lose not sight of the fact that success has often intoxicated the victorious, thrown them off their guard, and given the enemy vantage ground. Beware of placing implicit confidence in the opinion of that class of agitating law-givers who deceive you by propounding to your ignorancewhat they and you would wish the law to be, keeping from you what it really is. Recollect, Ah! and enquiry will convince you, ye unfledged sons of popular opinion, that the laws were made for the Church at a time whenignorance was bliss, and it is now even a folly to be wiseto the tune of an Ecclesiastical enquiry, viewing with Argus eye the value and extent of your goods and chattels from Westminster Palace Yard.Resist the law according to law, but for the sake of him whose name we all bear, “render to Cæsar the things that be Cæsar’s,” and lend not your conscientious sufferings, either to elevate a meanless party into public notoriety or compromise that brotherly love, which we profess to render even to our enemies.Enquire of your elder brethrenhow fared the dissenters in the notorious Wood Case, and the echo will be defeat and payment. Let us not again enact a folly that inevitably shall constrain us to appeal to strangers in the flesh, but brothers in the faith, for pecuniary assistance in the midst of our never-to-be-forgotten consternation and alarm. Nay! let us rather weigh the matter honestly over in our own breasts, and consider whether it is not better to pay honestly (and leave the ignominy to those who receive it) the demands that we now believe to be illegally demanded at our hands, and save our money,not to feed the jaws of D.C.L.’s, but to legally contest and maintain our rights for the time to come.Petition the Imperial Parliament for the repeal of the vexatious Tax. It is known that many honourable sons of theChurch will join us, for they bleed and feel acutely for us, who are men of like attributes to themselves—Reject the election of any man who refuses to assist us in his place in St. Stephen’s to get rid of our burden; and, above all, whilst the Church Rate Enactment lasts, be careful to elect such Churchwardens as shall faithfully perform their unpleasant duties, observe scrupulous economy in the expenditure of our money, be open and candid in their transactions with the public; neither given to bolster up obsolete customs and practices of the Church, used only in the middle ages, nor yet inclined to accede to the rapacity of a once popularity-seeking Vicar, at once a misfortune, by example and precept, to the Church, and no great love of those who dissent from his unproductive teaching.Henceforth, let peace and vigilance be our watchword, and the Poll Book our bulwark against oppression and injustice.AN OLD DISSENTER!And one who had to pay the piper to a heavy tune in the celebrated Wood case.Dudley, May 20th, 1852.
CHURCH RATES.
Ratepayers of Dudley,
At the Vestry Meeting held this morning, for the purpose of imposing a Sixpenny Rate, an amendment for a Penny Rate was moved, and almost unanimously carried by a show of hands. The Churchwardens demanded aPoll, which is now going on at the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church.
Embrace the present opportunity! Lose no time! All who conscientiously oppose this exorbitant tax, hasten and Vote for the Penny Rate! All Poor Rates that have been demanded must be paid previous to voting. The Polling will be kept open till five o’clock this afternoon. Attend the Public Meeting at the Swan Inn, this evening at 8 o’clock.
Thursday, April the 8th, 1852.
DUDLEY CHURCH RATES.
The Friends of Religious Liberty are requested to attend,as early as possible, at theVestry Room of St. Thomas’s Church, between the hours of from Ten till Four on Saturday, April 10th, 1852, or from Ten till Twelve on Monday, April 12th, 1852, toVote for the Penny Rate, instead of the Sixpenny Rate.
Go to the Poll Early, andVictory is Certain!!
Committee Room, Swan Hotel, Dudley.
THE CHURCH RATE CRISIS!
“Coming events cast their shadows before.”—Cato.
Yea, and the fangs of an Ecclesiastical Court will attest their realities in the pockets of unfledged Anti-Church Rate victims.
Brother Dissenters,
The last two months has witnessed a vigorous and legitimate opposition on our part to that detestable of all Taxation, the Church Rate. Our triumphant success at the poll in St. Thomas’s district has incontestably proved to all parties, that the imposition of this taxrests alone with the Ratepayers, and that, as hitherto, a merevestry coterieshall not tax the conscientious Dissenter withoutfirstgiving him the honest and Englishman-like opportunity of ascertaining for what purpose he is to be taxed.
The fact having now been fully established, the staff having now been really placed in the hands of the Ratepayers, it becomes a question of the mostvital pecuniary, as well aspublicandlegal, consideration, how far we are morally justified in further resisting theclaims of a Church Established by Law; after we have lately testified that those claims shall first receive our sanction and approval at the tribunal of a parish poll.
Fellow Christians, lose not sight of the fact that success has often intoxicated the victorious, thrown them off their guard, and given the enemy vantage ground. Beware of placing implicit confidence in the opinion of that class of agitating law-givers who deceive you by propounding to your ignorancewhat they and you would wish the law to be, keeping from you what it really is. Recollect, Ah! and enquiry will convince you, ye unfledged sons of popular opinion, that the laws were made for the Church at a time whenignorance was bliss, and it is now even a folly to be wiseto the tune of an Ecclesiastical enquiry, viewing with Argus eye the value and extent of your goods and chattels from Westminster Palace Yard.Resist the law according to law, but for the sake of him whose name we all bear, “render to Cæsar the things that be Cæsar’s,” and lend not your conscientious sufferings, either to elevate a meanless party into public notoriety or compromise that brotherly love, which we profess to render even to our enemies.
Enquire of your elder brethrenhow fared the dissenters in the notorious Wood Case, and the echo will be defeat and payment. Let us not again enact a folly that inevitably shall constrain us to appeal to strangers in the flesh, but brothers in the faith, for pecuniary assistance in the midst of our never-to-be-forgotten consternation and alarm. Nay! let us rather weigh the matter honestly over in our own breasts, and consider whether it is not better to pay honestly (and leave the ignominy to those who receive it) the demands that we now believe to be illegally demanded at our hands, and save our money,not to feed the jaws of D.C.L.’s, but to legally contest and maintain our rights for the time to come.
Petition the Imperial Parliament for the repeal of the vexatious Tax. It is known that many honourable sons of theChurch will join us, for they bleed and feel acutely for us, who are men of like attributes to themselves—Reject the election of any man who refuses to assist us in his place in St. Stephen’s to get rid of our burden; and, above all, whilst the Church Rate Enactment lasts, be careful to elect such Churchwardens as shall faithfully perform their unpleasant duties, observe scrupulous economy in the expenditure of our money, be open and candid in their transactions with the public; neither given to bolster up obsolete customs and practices of the Church, used only in the middle ages, nor yet inclined to accede to the rapacity of a once popularity-seeking Vicar, at once a misfortune, by example and precept, to the Church, and no great love of those who dissent from his unproductive teaching.
Henceforth, let peace and vigilance be our watchword, and the Poll Book our bulwark against oppression and injustice.
AN OLD DISSENTER!
And one who had to pay the piper to a heavy tune in the celebrated Wood case.
Dudley, May 20th, 1852.
The result of this severe Parochial Contest was that the 1d. Church Rate was carried by a majority of 98 votes. This contest was the death warrant for Church Rates in Dudley.
April 21st, 1852. A cab stand was established in the Market place (by Mr. William Beddard, of the Castle Hotel), a long wanted convenience.
The two parsonage houses of St. John’s and St. James’ Churches were built this year by subscriptions; Lord Ward giving the ground and £100 donation to each house.
May 28th, 1852. The Churchwardens of St. Edmund’s Church (Messrs. C. F. G. Clark and Thomas Danks) called a Vestry Meeting of the inhabitants, for the purpose of adopting the most efficient means for erecting a Parsonage House for St. Edmund’s parish. A very handsome subscription list was commenced at this meeting, which ultimately ended in the erection of the present St. Edmund’s Parsonage House, at a cost of upwards of £1,600. Mr. C. F. G. Clark exerted himself very zealously in this necessary business.
June, 1852. The state of the political horizon in London, and the distrust and uneasiness which prevailed amongst all classes, and more especially in reference to the veiled intentions of the Emperor Nicholas in Russia, to conquer and add the Turkish Empire to his already vast dominions, pointed to the necessity of an appeal to the constituents, to ascertain how the British pulse beat upon these momentous questions.
The following address of Mr. Benbow to his constituents shews that he thought “coming events cast their shadows before them:”
TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.Gentlemen,As a dissolution of Parliament is now very near it becomes my duty to inform you of my intention to seek a renewal of the generous confidence which you have on two former occasions reposed in me.My political principles are well known, and I need not repeat them.During the eventful period I have had the honor to enjoy a seat in Parliament, I have never blindly attached myself to any Minister; but have, as the Representative of an important constituency, uniformly supported those measures which seemed best calculated to maintain the honour of our great country, and to promote the comforts of the people: at the same time I have been equally solicitous for the advancement of those great interests which are so closely identified with the prosperity of your populous and industrious locality.In the present position of political parties it seems to me to be necessary that all Friends of Conservative Principles should unite in supporting the Ministry ofLord Derby, and I am prepared to give them my independent aid, except on any measure which may have for its object the re-imposition of a Duty on Foreign Corn, to which the general feeling of the Country appears to be opposed.At the Termination of the Session I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity of personally assuring you that I am, with feelings of gratitude and esteem,Your faithful and obliged Servant,JOHN BENBOW.Mecklenburgh Square, 21st June, 1852.
TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
As a dissolution of Parliament is now very near it becomes my duty to inform you of my intention to seek a renewal of the generous confidence which you have on two former occasions reposed in me.
My political principles are well known, and I need not repeat them.
During the eventful period I have had the honor to enjoy a seat in Parliament, I have never blindly attached myself to any Minister; but have, as the Representative of an important constituency, uniformly supported those measures which seemed best calculated to maintain the honour of our great country, and to promote the comforts of the people: at the same time I have been equally solicitous for the advancement of those great interests which are so closely identified with the prosperity of your populous and industrious locality.
In the present position of political parties it seems to me to be necessary that all Friends of Conservative Principles should unite in supporting the Ministry ofLord Derby, and I am prepared to give them my independent aid, except on any measure which may have for its object the re-imposition of a Duty on Foreign Corn, to which the general feeling of the Country appears to be opposed.
At the Termination of the Session I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity of personally assuring you that I am, with feelings of gratitude and esteem,
Your faithful and obliged Servant,
JOHN BENBOW.
Mecklenburgh Square, 21st June, 1852.
This Political (snug) Meeting followed—
At a Meeting of the Electors of Dudley friendly to the re-election ofJohn Benbow, Esq., as Member for the Borough, held at the Hotel in Dudley, on Thursday, the first day of July, 1852.Present:—Thomas Badger, Esq., Isaac Badger, Esq., Thomas Fereday, Esq., The Rev. Dr. Browne, Rev. E. H. L. Noot, Rev. A. G. Davis, Messrs. Bateman, Best, Bourne, Barrows, W. Bourne, Bishton, Brettell, Capewell, Henry Coldicott, Cox, E. Dudley, England, J. Haines, Homer, William Haden, John Jones, jun., Kendrick, Maughan, Passmore, Reynaud, R. Smith, E. F. Smith, Self, Tilley, Vanes, Walker, and others.Thomas Badger, Esq., in the Chair.The Address of Mr. Benbow to the Electors of the date of the 21st June last having been read—Resolved unanimously:—That in the opinion of this Meeting, Mr. Benbow has a fair claim to the suffrages of the Electors, and that as there is generally throughout the Country a difference of opinion on the subject of Free Trade, Mr. Benbow should be left unfettered and at liberty to exercise his unbiassed judgment on that point.Resolved:—That the Gentlemen attending this Meeting be a Committee for conducting the Election of Mr. Benbow, with power to add to their number.Resolved:—That these resolutions be printed and published, and a copy thereof transmitted to each Elector.THOS. BADGER, Chairman.Resolved:—That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to the Chairman for his conduct in the Chair.
At a Meeting of the Electors of Dudley friendly to the re-election ofJohn Benbow, Esq., as Member for the Borough, held at the Hotel in Dudley, on Thursday, the first day of July, 1852.
Present:—Thomas Badger, Esq., Isaac Badger, Esq., Thomas Fereday, Esq., The Rev. Dr. Browne, Rev. E. H. L. Noot, Rev. A. G. Davis, Messrs. Bateman, Best, Bourne, Barrows, W. Bourne, Bishton, Brettell, Capewell, Henry Coldicott, Cox, E. Dudley, England, J. Haines, Homer, William Haden, John Jones, jun., Kendrick, Maughan, Passmore, Reynaud, R. Smith, E. F. Smith, Self, Tilley, Vanes, Walker, and others.Thomas Badger, Esq., in the Chair.
The Address of Mr. Benbow to the Electors of the date of the 21st June last having been read—
Resolved unanimously:—That in the opinion of this Meeting, Mr. Benbow has a fair claim to the suffrages of the Electors, and that as there is generally throughout the Country a difference of opinion on the subject of Free Trade, Mr. Benbow should be left unfettered and at liberty to exercise his unbiassed judgment on that point.
Resolved:—That the Gentlemen attending this Meeting be a Committee for conducting the Election of Mr. Benbow, with power to add to their number.
Resolved:—That these resolutions be printed and published, and a copy thereof transmitted to each Elector.
THOS. BADGER, Chairman.
Resolved:—That the best thanks of this Meeting be given to the Chairman for his conduct in the Chair.
Then came the tug of political warfare.
FREEDOM IS EVERY MAN’S BIRTHRIGHT.An Appeal to the Conscientious Electors of theBOROUGH DUDLEY.The political torpor in which you have been lying has been partially aroused; a sense of the opprobrium you incur by your ignoble apathy, has spurred you to action; the spirit of tyranny displayed by the Church’s iniquitous attempt to impose an unjustifiable tax, has awakened your just indignation, and contempt of their mercenary spirit, that cloaks itself under the pretext of honourably supporting their institution for the welfare of the poor man, whom they would rob of that, of which the honest sweat of his brow has been productive; but this attempt has been foiled, the concocters of the tyrannous rate have been successfully defeated, you have with success combatted and effectually resisted the attempt of overbearing and rapacious Churchmen.It is but fair to presume that now the public spirit has once been excited, no inconsiderable barrier will stem its course: one object has been achieved and a second will, with an accession of strength, be attempted. Your feelings of execration are excited against a system of representation so corrupt, as that professing to be by the voice of the majority of Electors, when, at the same time, it is merely by the influence of one, who in consequence of his position, wields a despotic rule over you,—vaunted free and independent Electors.Let us boldly assert our independence, and scorn to be swayed by the interested views of one, whose only title to consideration is the fact of his being an extensive Landowner, who seems to be lamentably deficient of that benevolence and philanthropy, of those elevated sentiments and disinterested views, which should characterize one in his position. Is a man whose silence would bespeak a mind insensible to the responsibility, under which he is lying, as the representative of an enlightened people, is such a man calculated to express the voice of this free, independent and extensive Borough? Is not the name of one of the most industrious and enterprising of the free towns of England almost buried in oblivion in the proceedings of that highly venerated body which is the glory of every English Patriot?Alas! such is the painful fact!Ye, who are foremost and most interested in these momentousaffairs, hurl defiance at the unjustifiable assumption of power, which the landed proprietor will again endeavour to employ to further his own views. Act like free men. Boldly face the current, which by one united effort you will be able effectually to resist.Free Men of Dudley, abhor that monopoly of influence, that has so long characterized your past elections; by your own strenuous exertions send as your legislator one who shall advocate the principles of enlightened progress. If the attempt be not made, nothing will be achieved, devote your energy to the one grand object of obtaining a faithful representative, and success will inevitably crown your noble magnanimity,Yours earnestly,A PATRIOT.July 12th, 1852.
FREEDOM IS EVERY MAN’S BIRTHRIGHT.
An Appeal to the Conscientious Electors of theBOROUGH DUDLEY.
The political torpor in which you have been lying has been partially aroused; a sense of the opprobrium you incur by your ignoble apathy, has spurred you to action; the spirit of tyranny displayed by the Church’s iniquitous attempt to impose an unjustifiable tax, has awakened your just indignation, and contempt of their mercenary spirit, that cloaks itself under the pretext of honourably supporting their institution for the welfare of the poor man, whom they would rob of that, of which the honest sweat of his brow has been productive; but this attempt has been foiled, the concocters of the tyrannous rate have been successfully defeated, you have with success combatted and effectually resisted the attempt of overbearing and rapacious Churchmen.
It is but fair to presume that now the public spirit has once been excited, no inconsiderable barrier will stem its course: one object has been achieved and a second will, with an accession of strength, be attempted. Your feelings of execration are excited against a system of representation so corrupt, as that professing to be by the voice of the majority of Electors, when, at the same time, it is merely by the influence of one, who in consequence of his position, wields a despotic rule over you,—vaunted free and independent Electors.
Let us boldly assert our independence, and scorn to be swayed by the interested views of one, whose only title to consideration is the fact of his being an extensive Landowner, who seems to be lamentably deficient of that benevolence and philanthropy, of those elevated sentiments and disinterested views, which should characterize one in his position. Is a man whose silence would bespeak a mind insensible to the responsibility, under which he is lying, as the representative of an enlightened people, is such a man calculated to express the voice of this free, independent and extensive Borough? Is not the name of one of the most industrious and enterprising of the free towns of England almost buried in oblivion in the proceedings of that highly venerated body which is the glory of every English Patriot?
Alas! such is the painful fact!
Ye, who are foremost and most interested in these momentousaffairs, hurl defiance at the unjustifiable assumption of power, which the landed proprietor will again endeavour to employ to further his own views. Act like free men. Boldly face the current, which by one united effort you will be able effectually to resist.
Free Men of Dudley, abhor that monopoly of influence, that has so long characterized your past elections; by your own strenuous exertions send as your legislator one who shall advocate the principles of enlightened progress. If the attempt be not made, nothing will be achieved, devote your energy to the one grand object of obtaining a faithful representative, and success will inevitably crown your noble magnanimity,
Yours earnestly,
A PATRIOT.
July 12th, 1852.
It became apparent at once that Mr. Benbow would again be called upon on the hustings to give us some incoherent account of his stewardship, for the Liberal and Independent voters were determined to bring out a thorough Radical against him. The Anti-Church party being also very wrath at the result of the recent Church Rate contests.
A Mr. James Baldwin, Paper Merchant, of Birmingham, was the chosen champion honoured with the privilege of doing battle on this occasion, and the wondering and peace-loving denizens of the town were one morning startled with the rapid drive into the town of a pair of high-bred steeds, with a light waggon laden with hand-bills, announcing the candidature of Mr. James Baldwin, “Free Trade and no Church Rates.” Our feeble old member could be seen “taking his walks abroad” daily in our midst, consulting with his old friends, Tom, Isaac, and Richard, on the ugly look out upon passing events, bitterly complaining of the ingratitude and desertion of some once loving friends and ardent supporters. Canvassing in those days was undertaken by gentlemen and tradesmen, not by “Loafers and hangers on,” called canvassing agents; and in those days some certainty could be arrived at as to the result of the poll. Our old erratic friend, Samuel, was up early and late using his loquacious eloquence amongst the ignorant and thoughtless voters, whilst Church and Dissent strained every nerve to bring its quota of “Free and Independent Voters” to the poll.
TO THE “INDEPENDENT” ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.The Member has at last spoken—the nominee of my Lord Ward has opened his mouth—and his lordship’s lump of Political Capital, Mr.John Benbow, of Mecklenburgh Square, is prepared to shew to all comers that a cypher in St. Stephen’s may at least be somebody in the Borough of Dudley.And should we not be grateful to our “Right Honourable” for the legislative present he has made and is still willing to make us? When we consider that his Lordship, if he so willed it, would make the “calling and election sure” of his groom in thisIndependentBorough, ought we not to be grateful that our degradation is no deeper? Should we not rather rejoice that our political Jupiter,instead of giving us a Stork, has, in the plenitude of his condescension, kindly thrown us a “Log?”And is it not delightful to contemplate the Honourable Gentleman’s Parliamentary career?—his exemplary discharge of his duties—his punctual attendance in the House—the undying eloquence of his speeches—the constancy of his name in the Division List?—Indeed, so admirable is his conduct in these respects, that it may be said they form the exact measure of his political ability.How kindly too has our “worthy member” cooked his address “To the Electors of Dudley?” With what delicate tact has he avoided the usual term “Independent?” This would, indeed, have been severe, and in our present abject state the “unkindest cut of all:” but he goes through the farce with an amiable make-believe which is really refreshing to behold. “His political opinions are well known to us”—God help us; so they are. He “will not seek to re-impose a Duty on Corn.” How magnanimous!—a return to protection is impossible, therefore Mr.Benbowwon’t attempt it. How thankful we ought to be! Mr.Benbowwill support Lord Derby’s administration—but where are the political opinions of the noble Earl?—Echo answers—where? They have been stifled in the atmosphere of Downing Street! Once “the Rupert of Debate”—bold, fiery, impetuous, but without a stain on his honour—he has, since the advent of his present official career, condescended to become the “Artful Dodger” of politics; carried to power as a Protectionist, and treacherous to the principle by which he obtained it—his subsequent career has betrayed a succession of miserable expedients. Firm, even to obstinacy, when “Stanley was the cry,” the “great” Earl of Derby is now the veriest political weathercock of modern times—in fine, he has done more in the short space of a single session to destroy confidence in public men, than all the political Apostates of the present century.With these facts before us—can it be really true that the political influence of an important manufacturing town like Dudley, lies prostrate at the feet of a man, who appears to feel as much interest in the moral and social well-being of the district from which he derives his immense wealth, as he does for the natives of Timbuctoo. Is the decay of public spirit so manifest that not a blow can be struck for the emancipation of the Borough? Are there not a few good men to be found in this political Nazareth who, for the honour of human nature, and the sake of human progress, will come forward and manfully assert the principle of political independence? With such men I should be proud to combine; and though we might be only leading the forlorn hope of a better state of things—we should at least discharge our duty amid circumstances disgraceful in an age of feudalism, but a perpetual reproach to the institutions of the nineteenth century.AN ELECTOR.Market Place, Dudley, June 30, 1852.
TO THE “INDEPENDENT” ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
The Member has at last spoken—the nominee of my Lord Ward has opened his mouth—and his lordship’s lump of Political Capital, Mr.John Benbow, of Mecklenburgh Square, is prepared to shew to all comers that a cypher in St. Stephen’s may at least be somebody in the Borough of Dudley.
And should we not be grateful to our “Right Honourable” for the legislative present he has made and is still willing to make us? When we consider that his Lordship, if he so willed it, would make the “calling and election sure” of his groom in thisIndependentBorough, ought we not to be grateful that our degradation is no deeper? Should we not rather rejoice that our political Jupiter,instead of giving us a Stork, has, in the plenitude of his condescension, kindly thrown us a “Log?”
And is it not delightful to contemplate the Honourable Gentleman’s Parliamentary career?—his exemplary discharge of his duties—his punctual attendance in the House—the undying eloquence of his speeches—the constancy of his name in the Division List?—Indeed, so admirable is his conduct in these respects, that it may be said they form the exact measure of his political ability.
How kindly too has our “worthy member” cooked his address “To the Electors of Dudley?” With what delicate tact has he avoided the usual term “Independent?” This would, indeed, have been severe, and in our present abject state the “unkindest cut of all:” but he goes through the farce with an amiable make-believe which is really refreshing to behold. “His political opinions are well known to us”—God help us; so they are. He “will not seek to re-impose a Duty on Corn.” How magnanimous!—a return to protection is impossible, therefore Mr.Benbowwon’t attempt it. How thankful we ought to be! Mr.Benbowwill support Lord Derby’s administration—but where are the political opinions of the noble Earl?—Echo answers—where? They have been stifled in the atmosphere of Downing Street! Once “the Rupert of Debate”—bold, fiery, impetuous, but without a stain on his honour—he has, since the advent of his present official career, condescended to become the “Artful Dodger” of politics; carried to power as a Protectionist, and treacherous to the principle by which he obtained it—his subsequent career has betrayed a succession of miserable expedients. Firm, even to obstinacy, when “Stanley was the cry,” the “great” Earl of Derby is now the veriest political weathercock of modern times—in fine, he has done more in the short space of a single session to destroy confidence in public men, than all the political Apostates of the present century.
With these facts before us—can it be really true that the political influence of an important manufacturing town like Dudley, lies prostrate at the feet of a man, who appears to feel as much interest in the moral and social well-being of the district from which he derives his immense wealth, as he does for the natives of Timbuctoo. Is the decay of public spirit so manifest that not a blow can be struck for the emancipation of the Borough? Are there not a few good men to be found in this political Nazareth who, for the honour of human nature, and the sake of human progress, will come forward and manfully assert the principle of political independence? With such men I should be proud to combine; and though we might be only leading the forlorn hope of a better state of things—we should at least discharge our duty amid circumstances disgraceful in an age of feudalism, but a perpetual reproach to the institutions of the nineteenth century.
AN ELECTOR.
Market Place, Dudley, June 30, 1852.
Mr. Baldwin’s subjoined address was considered somewhat “peppery hot and strong,” but “not sweet,” for it lacked some of those nice turned sentences about “Civil and Religious Liberty,” and “Church and State,” which catch the eye and please the fancy.
TO THE ELECTORSOF THEBOROUGH OF DUDLEY.Gentlemen,Having been solicited to offer myself as a Candidate to represent you in the next Parliament, I have deemed it my duty to comply with the request. In offering myself to your notice, I think it right to state my views, with which I believe many of you will be acquainted, as they are views which I have entertained and avowed for many years. I am an advocate of FREE TRADE to the utmost extent.I am an advocate for the Shortening of the Duration of Parliaments, Complete Suffrage,Protected by the Ballot, and an appropriation of Members in proportion to Population. I am for the ABOLITION OF CHURCH RATES! and entire Religious Freedom. I am an advocate for the greatest economy in our national expenditure, and strongly opposed to our interfering in the affairs of other Nations; and believing the Military Bill passed by the present Government an ill-advised and unnecessary measure, if elected I will vote for its repeal!I am an advocate of EDUCATION, and I think the best means to obtain it would be to remove from the Press all taxes which would reduce the price of Newspapers and Literature generally, so as to bring it within the reach of the whole of the People.Gentlemen, the above are in substance my political principles, which I shall be happy more fully to explain when I appear before you as a Candidate for your suffrages, and shall be glad to give, on that occasion, whatever further information you may require.I remain, Gentlemen,Your obedient Servant,JAMES BALDWIN.Committee Room, July 6th, 1852.
TO THE ELECTORSOF THEBOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
Having been solicited to offer myself as a Candidate to represent you in the next Parliament, I have deemed it my duty to comply with the request. In offering myself to your notice, I think it right to state my views, with which I believe many of you will be acquainted, as they are views which I have entertained and avowed for many years. I am an advocate of FREE TRADE to the utmost extent.
I am an advocate for the Shortening of the Duration of Parliaments, Complete Suffrage,Protected by the Ballot, and an appropriation of Members in proportion to Population. I am for the ABOLITION OF CHURCH RATES! and entire Religious Freedom. I am an advocate for the greatest economy in our national expenditure, and strongly opposed to our interfering in the affairs of other Nations; and believing the Military Bill passed by the present Government an ill-advised and unnecessary measure, if elected I will vote for its repeal!
I am an advocate of EDUCATION, and I think the best means to obtain it would be to remove from the Press all taxes which would reduce the price of Newspapers and Literature generally, so as to bring it within the reach of the whole of the People.
Gentlemen, the above are in substance my political principles, which I shall be happy more fully to explain when I appear before you as a Candidate for your suffrages, and shall be glad to give, on that occasion, whatever further information you may require.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES BALDWIN.
Committee Room, July 6th, 1852.
The nomination day arrived in due course, and each side marshalled its force of electors and non-electors to hear the speeches, see the farce, and join in the banter and fun of the day. This election, however, was different in respectability from the last miserable show of Chartistism; because both candidates were gentlemen, and in their individual position men of high moral character and standing, which cannot always be reported about Dudley candidates for Parliamentary honours.
The election came off July 8th, 1852, with a few black eyes anddamaged hats, and the result was,—
Thus it was that Mr. Baldwin trotted back to Birmingham (rather crest-fallen) with his paper waggon and fiery steeds, whilst Mr. Benbow, the member (not of the electors of Dudley), returned to his books and his papers in Mecklenburgh Square, London.
Died July 22nd, 1852, Mr. John Holland, Builder and Contractor, Dudley. This melancholy death took place suddenly in a fit at a gipsy party. Aged 58 years.
Died August 18th, 1852, Sergeant Paine, an old Peninsular soldier, having hung himself in a fit of insanity. Aged 64 years.
September 15th, 1852. Died at Walmer Castle, that most illustrious commander and hero, the great Duke of Wellington, of an epileptic fit, in the 84th year of his age, universally regretted by the whole world. The nation gave the Duke a public funeral on November 18th, 1852. His remains were laid in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.Thursday next, the 18th instant, being the day appointed to inter the remains of the late illustrious DUKE OF WELLINGTON, I respectfully request that the tradesmen of Dudley participating in the general national feeling, will testify their respect for the memory of that distinguished individual by the CLOSURE OF THEIR SHOPS.E. L. CRESSWELL,Mayor.Dudley, November 15th, 1852.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.
Thursday next, the 18th instant, being the day appointed to inter the remains of the late illustrious DUKE OF WELLINGTON, I respectfully request that the tradesmen of Dudley participating in the general national feeling, will testify their respect for the memory of that distinguished individual by the CLOSURE OF THEIR SHOPS.
E. L. CRESSWELL,Mayor.
Dudley, November 15th, 1852.
This Great National Burial was observed in Dudley with due solemnity, all the shops being closed.
Died November 11th, 1852, Mr. Thomas Marsh, Fender and Fire Stove Manufacturer at the Burnt Tree Works, greatly esteemed and respected by both his numerous workmen and a large circle of friends. Aged 75 years.
December 20th, 1852. The Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway was opened this day, from WolverhamptonviaDudley to Evesham (41½ miles in length), on the Broad Gauge. A public dinner took place at the hotel to celebrate the occasion.
1853. The former Church Rate heat and fever had subsided into sober reason at this time; hence this humbled and subdued appeal to the parish.
TO THE RATE-PAYERS AND INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.We are about to ask at your hands a Rate of Three Pence inthe Pound, for the requisite Annual Expenses of the Parish and two District Churches, (St. John and St. James). As it is anticipated that the Government will set this question at rest in the next Session of Parliament, we trust that no unkind feeling will be entertained towards us on this, we hope, FINAL occasion of appealing to our friends and fellow parishioners. We are equally anxious to do our duty, and to preserve the peace of the Parish, and, whilst we solicit the assistance of our friends, we deprecate the hostility of those parties, who, if placed in our position, would find themselves legally compelled to adopt the same line of conduct.J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,SAMUEL PRICE,DANIEL JORDAN,Vicar.}Churchwardens.May 10th, 1853.
TO THE RATE-PAYERS AND INHABITANTS OF DUDLEY.
We are about to ask at your hands a Rate of Three Pence inthe Pound, for the requisite Annual Expenses of the Parish and two District Churches, (St. John and St. James). As it is anticipated that the Government will set this question at rest in the next Session of Parliament, we trust that no unkind feeling will be entertained towards us on this, we hope, FINAL occasion of appealing to our friends and fellow parishioners. We are equally anxious to do our duty, and to preserve the peace of the Parish, and, whilst we solicit the assistance of our friends, we deprecate the hostility of those parties, who, if placed in our position, would find themselves legally compelled to adopt the same line of conduct.
J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,SAMUEL PRICE,DANIEL JORDAN,Vicar.}Churchwardens.
J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,SAMUEL PRICE,DANIEL JORDAN,
J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L.,
SAMUEL PRICE,DANIEL JORDAN,
Vicar.}Churchwardens.
Vicar.
}Churchwardens.
May 10th, 1853.
March, 1853. The Small Tenements’ Act of the 13th and 14th Vict. had for some time received serious consideration at the hands of some of the most thoughtful ratepayers as to its adoption in this Parish. A public meeting was held recommending the immediate adoption of the Act, when it was shewn that £2,500 per annum would be saved to the poor rates by such a procedure. The poor rates for Dudley parish during thelast three yearshad been four shillings in the pound, for 2,347 houseswere excused payment, and, as the general trade of the town and district was in a shockingly depressed state,we had 1,536 houses void. Under this Small Tenements’ Act, all houses rated to the poor and highway rates (and rated at under £6 per annum) were to be paid for by the owners not occupiers as hitherto. The owners of small tenements had previously held properties which paid no rates at all, inasmuch as their tenants were too poor to pay them, and got put themselves upon the excused list; but it was found out thatthe rapacious ownersreaped the benefit, by compelling the poor tenants to pay them a bigger rent, because they were excused paying rates. When the large employers of labour became incensed at this unfair taking the burden from off the backs of landlords and placing it upon them, or anyone else who grumbled and paid, it soon became a settled opinion that the Act must be adopted, so that we had athree days’ pollof the whole parish on March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, held in the Vestry at St. Thomas’ Parish Church, to determine this vexed contest.
What is the Meaning of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act?A FEW FACTS—For Poor Working Men!A Bill has been circulated by Gentlemen opposed to the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act,manyof them Owners of Small Houses, all of them being desirous of being considered “The Poor Man’s Friend!”In what does their Friendship consist?They say Small Houses are not profitable;—they assert that they never get half their Rents. Is this true—or is thisLibelupon our honest character the best proof they could offer thatthey are the Poor Man’sFoes?When sickness or distress has overtaken you, or trade been bad and employment scarce, so that you have been prevented meeting their demands for Rent, which in most cases yields them, from 10 to 15 per cent. upon their outlay—how do they show theirFriendshiptowards you? A small voice says, by sending theBailiffs,—meaning, no doubt, the “Poor Man’s Friends.”Again, ask them to improve—nay, even to limewash your ill-ventilated and miserable dwellings,—like the “Poor Man’s Friends” in general, they reply,they can’t afford it.Ask them for a supply of that all-important blessing, “good water” and like “Poor Man’s Friends,” though you tell them it will not cost thema pennya week, they feelingly reply, “Oh, yes! you can have it, by allowing me to puttwopencea week on your Rent!”They are about tofeel for youin reference to the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Act. The present lawcompelsthe Overseers to summons you before the Magistrates for the non-payment of every rate granted, consequently putting you to serious trouble and expense.The New Tenements’ Actcompels them, instead of you, to pay the Poor and Highway Rates, and allows them to compound forhalfthe amount rated; thus again showing theirfriendshipfor you, knowing that the adoption of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act will injure their interests, but benefit yours.But turn a deaf ear to theirHypocritical Friendship, for, like Shylock, they will have their “pound of flesh.”A few words to theOperative Classes, that are now, and, probably have been for years past, Ratepayers. You have, with that forethought which characterises the operative classes of this country, succeeded in making provision for sickness, old age, and death, by joining Provident Societies, and other Institutions of which this country abounds; consequently, you never expect to partake of that fund which the present law makes you pay to, in the shape of Poor Rates.Then, I ask, is there not something required, when thousands of the labouring classes of your parish, equally as able were they only prudent and careful, who, when out of employment or sick, fall back upon a fund that the present unequal law compels you to subscribe to.No appeal is necessary to make the fact apparent to you, that the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act will tend to operate to the benefit of the Rate-paying interest of this over-taxed Parish.Again, there is nothing visionary in the matter, it is plain and simple; evidences of its true benefits are visible right and left—Rowley and Sedgley.Therefore, be prepared to attend the Poll at the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next; and honestly, fearlessly, and independently register your votes in favour of the Small Tenements’ Act, that must materially tend to benefit thepoorandindustriousof the Parish of Dudley.A RATEPAYER,One who has always cared for the Industrious Working Man!
What is the Meaning of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act?
A FEW FACTS—For Poor Working Men!
A Bill has been circulated by Gentlemen opposed to the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act,manyof them Owners of Small Houses, all of them being desirous of being considered “The Poor Man’s Friend!”
In what does their Friendship consist?
They say Small Houses are not profitable;—they assert that they never get half their Rents. Is this true—or is thisLibelupon our honest character the best proof they could offer thatthey are the Poor Man’sFoes?
When sickness or distress has overtaken you, or trade been bad and employment scarce, so that you have been prevented meeting their demands for Rent, which in most cases yields them, from 10 to 15 per cent. upon their outlay—how do they show theirFriendshiptowards you? A small voice says, by sending theBailiffs,—meaning, no doubt, the “Poor Man’s Friends.”
Again, ask them to improve—nay, even to limewash your ill-ventilated and miserable dwellings,—like the “Poor Man’s Friends” in general, they reply,they can’t afford it.
Ask them for a supply of that all-important blessing, “good water” and like “Poor Man’s Friends,” though you tell them it will not cost thema pennya week, they feelingly reply, “Oh, yes! you can have it, by allowing me to puttwopencea week on your Rent!”
They are about tofeel for youin reference to the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Act. The present lawcompelsthe Overseers to summons you before the Magistrates for the non-payment of every rate granted, consequently putting you to serious trouble and expense.
The New Tenements’ Actcompels them, instead of you, to pay the Poor and Highway Rates, and allows them to compound forhalfthe amount rated; thus again showing theirfriendshipfor you, knowing that the adoption of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act will injure their interests, but benefit yours.
But turn a deaf ear to theirHypocritical Friendship, for, like Shylock, they will have their “pound of flesh.”
A few words to theOperative Classes, that are now, and, probably have been for years past, Ratepayers. You have, with that forethought which characterises the operative classes of this country, succeeded in making provision for sickness, old age, and death, by joining Provident Societies, and other Institutions of which this country abounds; consequently, you never expect to partake of that fund which the present law makes you pay to, in the shape of Poor Rates.
Then, I ask, is there not something required, when thousands of the labouring classes of your parish, equally as able were they only prudent and careful, who, when out of employment or sick, fall back upon a fund that the present unequal law compels you to subscribe to.
No appeal is necessary to make the fact apparent to you, that the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Rating Act will tend to operate to the benefit of the Rate-paying interest of this over-taxed Parish.
Again, there is nothing visionary in the matter, it is plain and simple; evidences of its true benefits are visible right and left—Rowley and Sedgley.
Therefore, be prepared to attend the Poll at the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next; and honestly, fearlessly, and independently register your votes in favour of the Small Tenements’ Act, that must materially tend to benefit thepoorandindustriousof the Parish of Dudley.
A RATEPAYER,
One who has always cared for the Industrious Working Man!
This parish contest was not fought without much acrimony and ill-feeling, for the owners of small houses were not numerous in residence in the town, and those residing away took no interest in the matter. Result of the three days’ poll:—
In concert with the action taken upon the introduction of the Small Tenements’ Act, it was deemed expedient that a new and more liberal Board of Guardians should be selected to manage our Poor Law business. Hitherto very little interest had been taken by the ratepayers in the administration of the Poor Laws in Dudley; and so long as Mr. Thomas Griffiths, a retired shoemaker and chairman of the board, chose to rule the too obsequious guardians with an ignorance of the real meaning and intention of the Poor Law Acts, it became evident that no real improvement or amelioration was likely to take place unless a new board of guardians was elected. It was also shewn that this gentleman was in the receipt of £30 a year as assistant overseer, a scandal which provoked much indignation at the time, and caused his ejection from the board at the next election.
As politics did not happily in those days enter into our parochial contests, change of public opinion resulted in change of our rulers, and the following candidates were presented for election:—
ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.Fellow Ratepayers,In a few days you will be called upon for your vote in the appointment of a new Board of Guardians for the next year, and it is of the utmost importance that useful and efficient men should be chosen.It is an undeniable fact that the Poor Rates of Dudley are considerably higher than in any other neighbouring Parish, and more than double what they are in Wolverhampton; and this renders it absolutely necessary that you should choose for your Guardians men who are qualified and determined to carry out the principles ofeconomy and retrenchmentwith a due regard for thecomfort and welfare of the poor.Vote for the following Candidates, and thereby clear the way for a Reduction of Expenditure:—Mr. Thomas Wood“ Thomas Lester“ Elliott Hollier“ G. Thomson, (Corngreaves)“ James Evers SwindellMr. John Finch“ Josiah Collins Cook“ C. F. G. Clark“ S. H. Blackwell“ Alexander B. CochraneA RATEPAYER.TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.Fellow Ratepayers,Two Handbills have been circulated through the Parish by Order of the Anti-Small Tenement Rating Committee, of anature which the Committee for theadoptionof the Act consider most disgraceful, and such as no honorable persons would have given the sanction of their name to.Both these Handbills charge those who have proposed the adoption of this Act with a desire to rob the Poor, by throwing their fair share of the Poor Rate upon those less able to bear it than themselves; and in one of these Handbills a “Curseis denounced upon those who rob the Poor to enrich themselves.”Now, on behalf of themselves and those who are acting with them, the Committee for the adoption of the Act distinctly allege thischargeto befalse;and they as distinctly allege that those who have made it, have done so knowing it to be false.Their reasons for wishing the adoption of this Act are the following:—1.—They regard the Poor Law itself as one of the great bulwarks upon which the social condition of England rests,—and as one of the principal causes why England stands so pre-eminently high in general Freedom and Liberty amongst the Nations of the World.2.—So far, therefore, from doing anything which would tend in the slightest degree to lessen the almost reverential feeling which the Committee consider that all should entertain for this most important means of provision for those who are unable to support themselves, they would rather widen, by every means in their power, the basis upon which this provision rests.3.—While to effect this, they desireall Propertyto be liable to its fair amount of contribution to this great and important fund, at the same time they also desire to give relieflegallytothat portionof society who are reallyunableto contribute thereto, without subjecting them to the harassing and vexatious annoyance ofSummonses. This canonlybe done by the introduction ofThe Small Tenements’ Act.4.—Under the present system, out of 6,106 assessments, only 2,223 pay rates; under the Small Tenements’ Actall Propertywill pay, but the lowest class of houses need only be rated in the proportion of ONE-HALF the amount at which they are now rated.5.—Under the present system the poor occupier who is unable to pay, can only be excused after having been summoned and appearing before the Magistrates, at aloss of timewhich generally more than equals the amountexcused. This system ofsummonsingmust become more and more oppressive to thepoor ratepayer, and more and more expensive to the Parish, under every rate, while the present system continues.6.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, the poor ratepayer will be saved all this trouble and expense.No summonses will be required.7.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, the poor ratepayer willalways, and under every circumstance, be relieved to an extent not exceeding ONE-HALF of the amount at which he is now rated, and that without any loss of time or annoyance whatever: and, this will be the case to the amount named, even where theLandlordcharges upon the weekly rental the entire amount of the rate whichhewill have to pay.8.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, a better class of houses than that now existing amongst us will be introduced; for it will be only by attention to the comforts of the Tenant that the Landlord will be able to obtain any additional weekly charge, to repay the amount of the rate which he will have to pay. This will be one of the results of the adoption of this Act, which the Committee regard as most important, and as bearing materially upon the comfort of the working classes.9.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, no encouragement will be held out to theidle and dissolute, at the expense of theindustrious and soberworkmen, which is the case under the present system, undermining that independent, truthful, and manly character which the Englishman should ever be most proud of, since it is thatoneof his national characteristics which has given to him the proud position which he now holds.These, Fellow Ratepayers, are the reasons which induced the Committee to propose the adoption of this Act, and which lead them still to believe that while it will be to the advantage ofallclasses, it will be of the greatest advantage to thepoorer classes. Yououghtto decide for yourselves as to the claim which these reasons for its adoption have upon your judgment and support, from their own intrinsic merit or demerit alone, and not frompersonalconsiderations having reference to the character of those who support or oppose the introduction of this Act.If, however, the Parish is to be insulted by such disgraceful Handbills as those to which allusion has been made, the Committee will not shrink from the challenge thus given, and they call upon you to declare by your Vote, whether you place the greatest confidence in the integrity of purpose, the disinterestedness of motive, and the honour of theGentlemenwhose names were attached to the Requisition to the Ratepayers, advising the adoption of the Act—or inthosewho thus endeavour to raise the bitterest feelings of animosity and hatred, by assertions, as disgraceful in their object as they are false in fact.The Committee have no other motive to influence them than an earnest and faithful desire, firstly, that the Poor Rates shall be collected upon a principle of justice, including allProperty, but relieving to a great extent that property which is of the lowest class. Secondly, that the administration of the Poor Rates, both in their collection and subsequent distribution, shall be governed by that true English feeling which, whilst it willingly alleviates the suffering of the destitute, yet honours most of all the self-supportingworkman who disdains the relief sought for by the idle and improvident: and lastly, that that state of things shall be put a stop to in this Parish, which has brought upon it the fearful notoriety of being described by the Board of Health as “the Town in which the work of human extermination is carried on more successfully than in any other part of England and Wales.”They do not hesitate in expressing the conviction that the adoption of this Act must lead to the erection of a better class of houses, to greater attention on the part of theLandlordto the comfort of theTenant, and to a higher tone of character in the people; and they are confident that when its operation has been fairly tested, the best thanks of the Parishioners will be awarded to them for the course they have now adopted, and which they are resolved to carry out, in defiance of the prejudices and narrow views of their opponents.Signed on behalf ofThe Small Tenements’ Rating Committee,S. H. BLACKWELL,Chairman.Dudley, March 23rd, 1853.
ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.
TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.
Fellow Ratepayers,
In a few days you will be called upon for your vote in the appointment of a new Board of Guardians for the next year, and it is of the utmost importance that useful and efficient men should be chosen.
It is an undeniable fact that the Poor Rates of Dudley are considerably higher than in any other neighbouring Parish, and more than double what they are in Wolverhampton; and this renders it absolutely necessary that you should choose for your Guardians men who are qualified and determined to carry out the principles ofeconomy and retrenchmentwith a due regard for thecomfort and welfare of the poor.
Vote for the following Candidates, and thereby clear the way for a Reduction of Expenditure:—
Mr. Thomas Wood“ Thomas Lester“ Elliott Hollier“ G. Thomson, (Corngreaves)“ James Evers SwindellMr. John Finch“ Josiah Collins Cook“ C. F. G. Clark“ S. H. Blackwell“ Alexander B. Cochrane
Mr. Thomas Wood“ Thomas Lester“ Elliott Hollier“ G. Thomson, (Corngreaves)“ James Evers Swindell
Mr. Thomas Wood
“ Thomas Lester
“ Elliott Hollier
“ G. Thomson, (Corngreaves)
“ James Evers Swindell
Mr. John Finch“ Josiah Collins Cook“ C. F. G. Clark“ S. H. Blackwell“ Alexander B. Cochrane
Mr. John Finch
“ Josiah Collins Cook
“ C. F. G. Clark
“ S. H. Blackwell
“ Alexander B. Cochrane
A RATEPAYER.
TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PARISH OF DUDLEY.
Fellow Ratepayers,
Two Handbills have been circulated through the Parish by Order of the Anti-Small Tenement Rating Committee, of anature which the Committee for theadoptionof the Act consider most disgraceful, and such as no honorable persons would have given the sanction of their name to.
Both these Handbills charge those who have proposed the adoption of this Act with a desire to rob the Poor, by throwing their fair share of the Poor Rate upon those less able to bear it than themselves; and in one of these Handbills a “Curseis denounced upon those who rob the Poor to enrich themselves.”
Now, on behalf of themselves and those who are acting with them, the Committee for the adoption of the Act distinctly allege thischargeto befalse;and they as distinctly allege that those who have made it, have done so knowing it to be false.
Their reasons for wishing the adoption of this Act are the following:—
1.—They regard the Poor Law itself as one of the great bulwarks upon which the social condition of England rests,—and as one of the principal causes why England stands so pre-eminently high in general Freedom and Liberty amongst the Nations of the World.
2.—So far, therefore, from doing anything which would tend in the slightest degree to lessen the almost reverential feeling which the Committee consider that all should entertain for this most important means of provision for those who are unable to support themselves, they would rather widen, by every means in their power, the basis upon which this provision rests.
3.—While to effect this, they desireall Propertyto be liable to its fair amount of contribution to this great and important fund, at the same time they also desire to give relieflegallytothat portionof society who are reallyunableto contribute thereto, without subjecting them to the harassing and vexatious annoyance ofSummonses. This canonlybe done by the introduction ofThe Small Tenements’ Act.
4.—Under the present system, out of 6,106 assessments, only 2,223 pay rates; under the Small Tenements’ Actall Propertywill pay, but the lowest class of houses need only be rated in the proportion of ONE-HALF the amount at which they are now rated.
5.—Under the present system the poor occupier who is unable to pay, can only be excused after having been summoned and appearing before the Magistrates, at aloss of timewhich generally more than equals the amountexcused. This system ofsummonsingmust become more and more oppressive to thepoor ratepayer, and more and more expensive to the Parish, under every rate, while the present system continues.
6.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, the poor ratepayer will be saved all this trouble and expense.No summonses will be required.
7.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, the poor ratepayer willalways, and under every circumstance, be relieved to an extent not exceeding ONE-HALF of the amount at which he is now rated, and that without any loss of time or annoyance whatever: and, this will be the case to the amount named, even where theLandlordcharges upon the weekly rental the entire amount of the rate whichhewill have to pay.
8.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, a better class of houses than that now existing amongst us will be introduced; for it will be only by attention to the comforts of the Tenant that the Landlord will be able to obtain any additional weekly charge, to repay the amount of the rate which he will have to pay. This will be one of the results of the adoption of this Act, which the Committee regard as most important, and as bearing materially upon the comfort of the working classes.
9.—Under the Small Tenements’ Rating Act, no encouragement will be held out to theidle and dissolute, at the expense of theindustrious and soberworkmen, which is the case under the present system, undermining that independent, truthful, and manly character which the Englishman should ever be most proud of, since it is thatoneof his national characteristics which has given to him the proud position which he now holds.
These, Fellow Ratepayers, are the reasons which induced the Committee to propose the adoption of this Act, and which lead them still to believe that while it will be to the advantage ofallclasses, it will be of the greatest advantage to thepoorer classes. Yououghtto decide for yourselves as to the claim which these reasons for its adoption have upon your judgment and support, from their own intrinsic merit or demerit alone, and not frompersonalconsiderations having reference to the character of those who support or oppose the introduction of this Act.
If, however, the Parish is to be insulted by such disgraceful Handbills as those to which allusion has been made, the Committee will not shrink from the challenge thus given, and they call upon you to declare by your Vote, whether you place the greatest confidence in the integrity of purpose, the disinterestedness of motive, and the honour of theGentlemenwhose names were attached to the Requisition to the Ratepayers, advising the adoption of the Act—or inthosewho thus endeavour to raise the bitterest feelings of animosity and hatred, by assertions, as disgraceful in their object as they are false in fact.
The Committee have no other motive to influence them than an earnest and faithful desire, firstly, that the Poor Rates shall be collected upon a principle of justice, including allProperty, but relieving to a great extent that property which is of the lowest class. Secondly, that the administration of the Poor Rates, both in their collection and subsequent distribution, shall be governed by that true English feeling which, whilst it willingly alleviates the suffering of the destitute, yet honours most of all the self-supportingworkman who disdains the relief sought for by the idle and improvident: and lastly, that that state of things shall be put a stop to in this Parish, which has brought upon it the fearful notoriety of being described by the Board of Health as “the Town in which the work of human extermination is carried on more successfully than in any other part of England and Wales.”
They do not hesitate in expressing the conviction that the adoption of this Act must lead to the erection of a better class of houses, to greater attention on the part of theLandlordto the comfort of theTenant, and to a higher tone of character in the people; and they are confident that when its operation has been fairly tested, the best thanks of the Parishioners will be awarded to them for the course they have now adopted, and which they are resolved to carry out, in defiance of the prejudices and narrow views of their opponents.
Signed on behalf of
The Small Tenements’ Rating Committee,
S. H. BLACKWELL,
Chairman.
Dudley, March 23rd, 1853.
April 5th, 1853. This unprecedented severe contest for the Election of Guardians took place with the following results—
Elected. Mr. Isaac Badger, Messrs. E. Hollier, S. H. Blackwell, Thos. Lester, A. B. Cochrane, Thos. Wood, G. B. Walker, Jos. Guest, J. E. Swindell, J. C. Cook.
May 9th, 1853. A very heavy fall of snow this morning, with intense cold weather, which did a vast amount of harm to vegetation and health in the land.
Died, May 11, 1853, Mr. Chas. F. Hewitt, Wine and Spirit Merchant, a gentleman who took a strong lead in politics on the Tory side, and was universally respected. Aged 50 years.
May 14th, 1853. An awful loss of life was occasioned this day at one o’clock by the explosion of the engine boiler belonging to Mr. Davis, Fender Maker, in the Minories. Four men were taken out of the ruins dead, many more were severely maimed and wounded, and the unfortunate Engineer was blown above one hundred yards into the air, and fell through the roof of a house near, smashed to pieces. At the Coroner’s inquest much blame was attached to the owner, “for working at too high a pressure an old boiler, acknowledged to be in bad repair.”
Whitsuntide. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Dudley Lime Stone Caverns were again lighted up with gas, proving another pecuniary success.
Government School of Art, 1853. There was no district in the United Kingdom at this period which needed the establishment of a branch of the Government School of Art more than Dudley. Surrounded as we are by almost every kind of mechanical art, it had long been felt that a technical training in drawing, designing, and the general art and engineering culture, was a desideratum much needed. The town and district were greatly indebted at this time to the efforts made to secure these advantages by Dr. Browne, Vicar, S. H. Blackwell, Esq., A. B. Cochrane, Esq., Edwin Dudley, Esq., and others, who speedily raised a handsome subscription to enlarge the King Street National School Rooms, and established a mostvaluable and flourishing Government School of Art. Long may this excellent institution maintain its high reputation and prestige. The first appointments were, Lord Ward, the President, Dr. Browne, Vice-President and Chairman, Samuel H. Blackwell, Esq., Hon. Secretary, First Master Mr. Robert Cochrane.
The Sanitary Board having been imposed upon this Borough,nolens volens, necessitating the extinction and oblivion of the Old Town Commissioners, who had become quite incompetent to deal with the shamefully unsanitary condition of the Borough, caused quite a commotion and flutter amongst all classes of the inhabitants.The scare, alleging the enormous increase of the Rates in the Parish, which would be the result of this dreaded movement, induced many people to use their utmost influence to endeavour to secure such a Board as would make its stringent and sweeping Clauses harmless and inoperative. Men of property in the Parish looked with alarm upon any interference with the rights of property; although the recent enquiry before Mr. Lee had incontestably shewn the immediate necessity for a Sanitary Reform in the Parish. That startling enquiry and inspection of the Parish had taken place in August, 1851, yet the application of the Act had been staved off till now, June, 1853; and had not some of the most intelligent and independent ratepayers insisted upon its introduction in the Parish, the disgraceful, filthy, and insanitary state of things would have continued to an indefinite period.
The first thing to be done was the election of a Local Board of Health, and to the common sense of the ratepayers and the credit of the Town, be it recorded, that thefirst elected Boardwas composed of fifteen of the most clear-headed, independent, and true friends of the Parish that could possibly have been selected. As a matter of course, this novel and important Election could not be allowed to take place, without the usual exhibition of the “Curiosities of Dudley.”