TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.Gentlemen,In pursuance of a Requisition, I offer myself to the Electors of Dudley as a Candidate for the honor of representing you in the forthcoming Parliament, and my desire is to assist you in the assertion of your right to choose for yourselves the man who is to represent your views in the House of Commons. I take this step the more readily from an inherent desire to be independent myself, and to co-operate with men animated by similar views. If Iam fortunate enough to be returned to Parliament by your votes, I will submit to neither blandishment nor dictation, but will think for myself on the great questions of the day, and in thus doing, I shall be imitating the manly characteristics of the Electors of Dudley, who are neither to be unduly influenced, interfered with, or dictated to. Impressed with these views, I will be open and candid with you in reference to those articles in the Political Creed, which at the present hour are the principal subjects of discussion.INCOME TAX.—I am a staunch advocate for its entire and immediate abolition.CHURCH RATES.—I am in favor of their Repeal, but am willing to substitute, if practicable, some equivalent that will preserve our magnificent National Edifices from decay, and at the same time secure to our Protestant Church the alliance and protection of the state.FRANCHISE.—I am in favor of gradually and carefully extending the Franchise, to meet the wants arising from the advancement and progress of the age, and in furtherance of this view, am willing to place the County Voter upon an equality with the Borough Voter by giving him a £10 qualification.ARMY AND NAVY.—I am decidedly in favor of a thorough and searching Reform in both these departments of the National Service, and particularly of introducing, as a chief feature of such Reform, the practice of granting Commissions and giving Promotion to merit.SHIPPING AND SOUNDING DUES.—I am determined to use every constitutional means to obtain the entire removal of these obstructive imposts, believing that no Corporate Funds ought to be increased by Taxes that amount to a restriction on Trade, and which press with peculiar severity upon industry and manufacture.EXTRA PAROCHIAL PROPERTY.—All property should and must be made to bear its equal share of local burdens.THE WAR WITH CHINA.—I am not in favor of delegating to individuals the power to declare War in the name of Great Britain, or the right to bombard Cities and destroy life and property. I deprecate at all times the unnecessary shedding of human blood; but the Chinese War having now commenced and the interests involved being so enormous, I am in favor of adopting every legitimate means for bringing the conflict to an end, a jealous regard being had for the honour of English Policy, and the power of English might.EDUCATION.—This I am desirous of extending to its utmost limits, totally irrespective of Sectarianism, firmly believing that to Education we must look for the ultimate happiness and prosperity of the country.THE BALLOT.—I am not disposed to adopt the Ballot, believing that the reasons at present urged in favour of secret voting will rapidly and altogether pass away with the growing intelligenceand progress of the age.FREE TRADE has my unqualified support.LOCAL INTERESTS.—I am anxious to identify myself absolutely with the views and interests of your Borough, and in the event of my Election, I will spare no opportunity of proving to you practically the earnestness and sincerity of my professions.Gentlemen, These are my political views, and I believe that if honestly advocated and carried out with purity of purpose, under the blessing of Providence, they will conduce to the happiness and welfare of the millions of our native land.I am, Gentlemen,Your most obedient Servant,HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.Inner Temple, London, and Bellefield House, Fulham, Middlesex. March 21st, 1857.To Enterprising Young Men in Search of Employment, Stump Orators, and Others.Wanted, for the Borough of Dudley, a CANDIDATE for PARLIAMENT! to Represent the “Badger” Interest.He must be a man with plenty of “Jaw,” and one who will not stick at trifles, but can turn himself round as a Weathercock. One who has formerly been a Conservative, but is now an extreme Radical, will be preferred.⁂ None need apply except they have both “jaw” and credit, as many of those who would otherwise do, as regards the former, are excluded by want of the latter.Apply by Letter only, W. Rattlebrain, Pig street.TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.Mr. SANDARS, the Candidate for the Representation of this Borough, will address the Electors at the Old Town Hall, on Friday, the 20th instant, at Three o’clock in the Afternoon.Dudley, 19th March, 1857.Found! Found!! Found!!! The “Enterprising Young Man for the Borough of Dudley.” He has both “Jaw and Credit,” and can Represent the Badger Interest, but Alas! Alas!! Alas!!! When I advertised for him I did not think he would so soon have made his appearance.Signed, HONEY MERRY.DUDLEY ELECTION.To the Free and Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley.Withhold the Promise of your Votes to Mr. Sandars, as Charles Shaw, Esq., of Birmingham, is expected in Dudley this Evening.AN ELECTOR.Dudley, March 20th, 1857.At a Meeting of the Non-Electors of Dudley, held at the Lancasterian School Room, Stafford Street, the 25th day of March, 1857. Mr. William Gilbert, Jun., in the chair, it was—Moved by Mr. Longhurst, and Seconded by Mr. Oakley, and carried unanimously:—“That this Meeting of Non-Electors of Dudley welcomes the present favourable opportunity which now offers itself of freeing the Borough of Dudley from Political Vassalage, Nomineeism, and Lordly Dictation.”Moved by Mr. Wallwork, seconded by Mr. Ginder, Jun., and carried unanimously:—“That the Non-Electors of Dudley, hereby pledge themselves to support the Political Freedom and Independence of this Borough, by using all legitimate efforts to ensure the triumphant return of the Independent Candidate, Henry Brinsley Sheridan, Esq.”Moved by Mr. Wallwork, seconded by Mr. Parsons, and carried unanimously:—“That the best thanks be given to the Chairman, for his conduct in the Chair.”W. GILBERT, Jun., Chairman.TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.We, the undersigned, request the Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley to meet at the Old Town Hall, to-morrow, at One o’clock, to consider what steps can be best taken to secure the Independence of the Borough, and to enable the Electors to exercise their free and unbiassed judgment in the choice of their Representative.Isaac BadgerW. RobinsonW. HadenJ. RenaudThomas BadgerJ. G. WalkerJ. BeddardJ. OwenJ. WalkerThomas SteedmanW. WilkinsonG. SmithJoshua WilkinsonGilbert ShawThomas ShawJoseph OwenJames Darby.March 23rd, 1857.
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
In pursuance of a Requisition, I offer myself to the Electors of Dudley as a Candidate for the honor of representing you in the forthcoming Parliament, and my desire is to assist you in the assertion of your right to choose for yourselves the man who is to represent your views in the House of Commons. I take this step the more readily from an inherent desire to be independent myself, and to co-operate with men animated by similar views. If Iam fortunate enough to be returned to Parliament by your votes, I will submit to neither blandishment nor dictation, but will think for myself on the great questions of the day, and in thus doing, I shall be imitating the manly characteristics of the Electors of Dudley, who are neither to be unduly influenced, interfered with, or dictated to. Impressed with these views, I will be open and candid with you in reference to those articles in the Political Creed, which at the present hour are the principal subjects of discussion.
INCOME TAX.—I am a staunch advocate for its entire and immediate abolition.
CHURCH RATES.—I am in favor of their Repeal, but am willing to substitute, if practicable, some equivalent that will preserve our magnificent National Edifices from decay, and at the same time secure to our Protestant Church the alliance and protection of the state.
FRANCHISE.—I am in favor of gradually and carefully extending the Franchise, to meet the wants arising from the advancement and progress of the age, and in furtherance of this view, am willing to place the County Voter upon an equality with the Borough Voter by giving him a £10 qualification.
ARMY AND NAVY.—I am decidedly in favor of a thorough and searching Reform in both these departments of the National Service, and particularly of introducing, as a chief feature of such Reform, the practice of granting Commissions and giving Promotion to merit.
SHIPPING AND SOUNDING DUES.—I am determined to use every constitutional means to obtain the entire removal of these obstructive imposts, believing that no Corporate Funds ought to be increased by Taxes that amount to a restriction on Trade, and which press with peculiar severity upon industry and manufacture.
EXTRA PAROCHIAL PROPERTY.—All property should and must be made to bear its equal share of local burdens.
THE WAR WITH CHINA.—I am not in favor of delegating to individuals the power to declare War in the name of Great Britain, or the right to bombard Cities and destroy life and property. I deprecate at all times the unnecessary shedding of human blood; but the Chinese War having now commenced and the interests involved being so enormous, I am in favor of adopting every legitimate means for bringing the conflict to an end, a jealous regard being had for the honour of English Policy, and the power of English might.
EDUCATION.—This I am desirous of extending to its utmost limits, totally irrespective of Sectarianism, firmly believing that to Education we must look for the ultimate happiness and prosperity of the country.
THE BALLOT.—I am not disposed to adopt the Ballot, believing that the reasons at present urged in favour of secret voting will rapidly and altogether pass away with the growing intelligenceand progress of the age.
FREE TRADE has my unqualified support.
LOCAL INTERESTS.—I am anxious to identify myself absolutely with the views and interests of your Borough, and in the event of my Election, I will spare no opportunity of proving to you practically the earnestness and sincerity of my professions.
Gentlemen, These are my political views, and I believe that if honestly advocated and carried out with purity of purpose, under the blessing of Providence, they will conduce to the happiness and welfare of the millions of our native land.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
Inner Temple, London, and Bellefield House, Fulham, Middlesex. March 21st, 1857.
To Enterprising Young Men in Search of Employment, Stump Orators, and Others.
Wanted, for the Borough of Dudley, a CANDIDATE for PARLIAMENT! to Represent the “Badger” Interest.
He must be a man with plenty of “Jaw,” and one who will not stick at trifles, but can turn himself round as a Weathercock. One who has formerly been a Conservative, but is now an extreme Radical, will be preferred.
⁂ None need apply except they have both “jaw” and credit, as many of those who would otherwise do, as regards the former, are excluded by want of the latter.
Apply by Letter only, W. Rattlebrain, Pig street.
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Mr. SANDARS, the Candidate for the Representation of this Borough, will address the Electors at the Old Town Hall, on Friday, the 20th instant, at Three o’clock in the Afternoon.
Dudley, 19th March, 1857.
Found! Found!! Found!!! The “Enterprising Young Man for the Borough of Dudley.” He has both “Jaw and Credit,” and can Represent the Badger Interest, but Alas! Alas!! Alas!!! When I advertised for him I did not think he would so soon have made his appearance.
Signed, HONEY MERRY.
DUDLEY ELECTION.
To the Free and Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley.
Withhold the Promise of your Votes to Mr. Sandars, as Charles Shaw, Esq., of Birmingham, is expected in Dudley this Evening.
AN ELECTOR.
Dudley, March 20th, 1857.
At a Meeting of the Non-Electors of Dudley, held at the Lancasterian School Room, Stafford Street, the 25th day of March, 1857. Mr. William Gilbert, Jun., in the chair, it was—
Moved by Mr. Longhurst, and Seconded by Mr. Oakley, and carried unanimously:—“That this Meeting of Non-Electors of Dudley welcomes the present favourable opportunity which now offers itself of freeing the Borough of Dudley from Political Vassalage, Nomineeism, and Lordly Dictation.”
Moved by Mr. Wallwork, seconded by Mr. Ginder, Jun., and carried unanimously:—“That the Non-Electors of Dudley, hereby pledge themselves to support the Political Freedom and Independence of this Borough, by using all legitimate efforts to ensure the triumphant return of the Independent Candidate, Henry Brinsley Sheridan, Esq.”
Moved by Mr. Wallwork, seconded by Mr. Parsons, and carried unanimously:—“That the best thanks be given to the Chairman, for his conduct in the Chair.”
W. GILBERT, Jun., Chairman.
TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
We, the undersigned, request the Independent Electors of the Borough of Dudley to meet at the Old Town Hall, to-morrow, at One o’clock, to consider what steps can be best taken to secure the Independence of the Borough, and to enable the Electors to exercise their free and unbiassed judgment in the choice of their Representative.
Isaac BadgerW. RobinsonW. HadenJ. RenaudThomas BadgerJ. G. WalkerJ. BeddardJ. OwenJ. WalkerThomas SteedmanW. WilkinsonG. SmithJoshua WilkinsonGilbert ShawThomas ShawJoseph OwenJames Darby.
Isaac BadgerW. RobinsonW. HadenJ. RenaudThomas BadgerJ. G. WalkerJ. BeddardJ. OwenJ. Walker
Isaac Badger
W. Robinson
W. Haden
J. Renaud
Thomas Badger
J. G. Walker
J. Beddard
J. Owen
J. Walker
Thomas SteedmanW. WilkinsonG. SmithJoshua WilkinsonGilbert ShawThomas ShawJoseph OwenJames Darby.
Thomas Steedman
W. Wilkinson
G. Smith
Joshua Wilkinson
Gilbert Shaw
Thomas Shaw
Joseph Owen
James Darby.
March 23rd, 1857.
The Political ball had now been set rolling by both parties in this unnatural contest, but men in Dudley had learnt the old adage—“that misfortune makes men acquainted with strange bedfellows,” therefore theyhad accepted their dubious lot at all hazards, and it soon became evident that Mr. Sheridan was the idol of the Non-Electors, whose potent influence was brought to bear with great persistence upon the thousand Electors. Mr. Sheridan was found to be free and pleasant and spoke well on the platform; he was admirably schooled in political knowledge, and he knew how to please the wives as well as the voters. Meetings by both Candidates were held almost hourly, for there was no time to lose, and the screw that was put on at head-quarters was both unmanly and ungenerous, causing a large number of former Conservative voters to declare their intention to support Mr. Sheridan, the Independent Candidate. However, before the Nomination day arrived, (March 28th) Mr. Sandars had found out that his cards had been seen by his opponents and that he was playing a losing game, calculated to damage his aspirations at some more acceptable Borough, he therefore issued the following address, which promoted H. B. Sheridan, Esq., to the distinguished position of being elected the Independent Member for the Nominee Borough of Dudley.
TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.Gentlemen,The aspect of this Election has assumed a character of a purely personal nature, in which Politics are entirely forgotten.While I feel my own individual claims to the honor of representing you in Parliament have not even been called in question, and am deeply sensible of the kind manner in which I have been generally received, I cannot disguise from myself that in the present state of feeling in the Borough, arising from misrepresentation, and a disinclination on the part of the Electors to calmly consider the actual facts of the case, the result of a direct appeal to the Constituency would be doubtful.Under these circumstances I have resolved to retire from the contest, persisting in which would occasion an unusual amount of ill feeling, and be painful to those, who, having hitherto acted together during the whole of their Political life, would on this occasion be found ranged in opposition to each other.Time, I trust, will convince you, that I came forward on purely Independent grounds, as a supporter of the energetic policy of Lord Palmerston, to uphold which I believe to be the real wish of the Electors of Dudley.I have the honour to be,Gentlemen,Your most obedient Servant,J. SANDARS.Dudley, 27th, March, 1857.NOT WANTED! “THE WEAKLY PRESS-GANG!”URGENTLY WANTED!!A GOOD LEADER THERE FOR!Must be a Leader ofprincipalwherewith to prop the LOCAL BUTTER Paperinterest!!!LocalCockney Correspondents, Castle Toadies, Priory Vassals, Quibbling Quacks, Old Women, Lazy Printers’ Devils, and Industrious Nonentities, especially needed, as the Butter Paper Press,aliasthe “Weakly Times,” is in feeble health!!!By order of the Society for the prohibition of useless knowledge, the protection of the Queen’s English, and the total suppression of the Public Traffic in Cheap Composition, Cant, Cabbage, and Castle-toadyism.Address—COBBLEM & MACKEMTIRE,Little Castle Alley!!!A FRIEND OF ONE THAT HAS BRAINS TO RATTLE.DUDLEY ELECTION.What causes Electors to wish for the Ballot?What causes Electors to remain neutral?What causes Chartism?Through Lords or their Agents to exert authority or power in an Insolent, Arbitrary, or Tyrannical manner.Down with such, and we, as Englishmen, had ought to enjoy that Charter which was given to us by King John.Stick true to those liberties you have, and not be slaves to any one. Use your own opinion and fear no one.AN ELECTOR.STOP.ELECTORS OF DUDLEY beMen.—Thinkfor yourselves.—Votefor yourselves.—Do not allow any Lord to rob you of your franchise.If you vote for Sandars you sanction the right of Lord Ward to choose your Representative.—You abandon your right of selecting one that is independent.If Sandars be elected he dare not vote in opposition to his Lordship’s will, if he did he would soon cease to be Member for Dudley, under such circumstances he will be Lord Ward’s and not your Member.How has Lord Ward treated Sir Stafford H. Northcote? Most shamefully; there is proof in this town that Sir Stafford did not go to North Devon as a matter of choice.—He abandoned Dudley because Lord Ward abandoned him for Voting honorably on the China question in opposition to the Ministry which has the support of Lord Ward, on that ground his Lordship sent us Mr. Sandars.—Now this Gentleman told us at his first Meeting that he had his Lordship’s support, that his Lordship spent a quarter of a million annually in ‘this Borough’ (wesuppose this was a mistake, and that he meant ‘the world’) and that therefore his Lordship had a right to be represented.The meaning of this could not be mistaken, but let us ask why does not his Lordship act and vote for himself in the House of Peers? Let him use his hereditary privileges for the protection of his rights and not rob us of ours.—We would not ask by what means his ancestors became entitled to the Estates the income whereof enables so large an expenditure; but we will tell his Lordship that were he alone upon those Estates, and had not the assistance and labor of the surrounding inhabitants, he would have no income to expend—Thus it is clear that his Lordship is indebted to the people, and not the people to him. Shall he then hold us in hereditary bondage with the very means the people create for him? Shall he put a veto on the use of our intellects and nominatehisasourRepresentative without a struggle on our part? Could our ancestors arise they would be ashamed of us, they would weep to see us licking the dust upon the heels of power without an effort to be free.This nominee tells us he is a supporter of Lord Palmerston on the China question, which means that he, Sandars, will back themurder and wholesale butcheryin China of thousands of innocent men; he will support the Government in burning and destroying the houses of the rich and poor at Canton; he is the man to aid and abet the breaking out of war on the part of the English, without the knowledge or assent of the people, or of the Parliament: he is the man to uphold the Government in setting the vote of the Peoples’ Representatives at defiance: he is the man who talks of assisting in the reduction of the Income Tax, and yet will afford facilities for the expenditure of our money in war without our knowledge or consent: he is the man who on the hustings at Bewdley alleged that he was a follower of Earl Derby, and now comes here in opposition to that Nobleman on the very question which has broken up the present Parliament.ELECTORS “awake, arise, or be for ever fallen.” Men of all shades of Politics, Whig and Tory, buckle on your armour, go hand in hand, beat back the foe that would rob you of your franchise. Shew your independence, let cowardice be distant. It is not a question between Whig and Tory that we have to decide, (Sandars is neither Whig or Tory,) but between Independence and Mental Slavery. The days when Lordlings treated Villagers as Serfs and Vassals have passed, and it is only history that should remind us that such things were.Shall we return to serfdom and vassalage?—No.Is the Lord of our manor to nominate our man, and say as of old “to hear is to obey”?—No.Stir yourselves, put an end to your lethargy, rally round the standard of the worthy, independent, and intelligent Mr.SHERIDAN; go forth to the battle determined to defend your rights, even as our ancestors would have done with their blood, and Victory shall be yours.AN ELECTOR.DUDLEY ELECTION—The Rival Candidates—Which is the True and Consistent one?Brother Electors,Be not deceived! Look at the member for Yarmouth’s policy at Bewdley—examine well his opinions upon that occasion, and then turn to his address to you—can you call this man Consistent? Is he one that you can trust? Common-sense men will tell you NO! And we trust that you will echo and repeat this answer No!—to the poll—and prove to everybody that you will not have a man who comes under false colours, or who is a mere Weathercock to suit the several constituencies to whom he may offer himself. A Derbyite to the Electors of Bewdley, and a Palmerstonian to Lord Ward, whom He deems to be the “Borough of Dudley” itself. Ponder this and you will then plump for the man who has so nobly responded to your call—the man who bears the time-honoured name ofHenry Brinsley Sheridan.Brother Electors, do not be deceived!AN INDEPENDENT ELECTOR.A FEW LINES TO THE PRAISE OF THE CASTLE BLOATER!SHERIDAN, the brave has come to the scratch,And in him thebloaterwill find a good match;When back’d by a BADGER and “Marine store,”Thebloaterwill find his existence is o’er!Chorus.So ye voters of Dudley, now come to a man,And vote for thehonestH. B. SHERIDAN.Mr. Stoke-em, and Bed-em, Insult-em, and all,Declare that the power of the Castle shall fall!!And prove to his Lordship, and also his men,We’ll have for our M.P.—H. B. SHERIDAN.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.ISAAC BADGER with honor has left all the knavesWho stick to his Lordship because they’re his slaves;For Dick Smith and T—r have tried all they can,But BADGER has stuck to us like a true man.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.For the power of his Lordship we don’t care a straw,And we’ll show him in Dudley hiswillis not law!At his Lordship and Dickey we’ll level a reef,Not at Christmas to rob his poor men of their beefSo ye voters of Dudley, &c.But sure with poor Dickey I don’t want to quarrel,Although to us he was sent pack’d up in a barrel!The barrel was pierc’d with holes very fine,If they’d found him out, he’d been hung with a line.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.Just arrived, a few Barrels of choice YARMOUTH BLOATERS, 7 a 1d., stirred up fresh from the bottom.DUDLEY ELECTION.The Tories and Radicals, strange though it be,Have banded together for “Libertie,”In the famous Borough of old Dudley;Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de dee,Oh, for his Lordship’s Nominee!So away they go, with a hop and a jump!Fish, flesh, and fowl, to find if they can,An ornithorincus kind of a man!Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de bump,Whig, Tory, and Radical all in a lump;There’s Badger, and Walker, and Cookee, and Stokes,And the devil knows how many capital folks!And they all are resolved, though they love bread and butter,To tickle his Lordship’s respectable crupper:Singing, go it, ye Britons, three cheers for the three,Lord Ward, Isaac Badger, and Sammy Cookee,The Radical, Whig, and jolly Tory;And good luck to the man who will purchase of me.—B.B.DUDLEY ELECTION.Fellow Electors,By way of adding injury to the insult which Lord Ward and his party have already inflicted upon you, it is now currently reported that the Workmen of the Ward and Black-Cock interest have been made to understand that they must surround the hustings to-morrow morning, and prevent your own Candidate, SHERIDAN, from getting a hearing; so much for Liberty and Freedom of Speech! Let me advise you, at least to give a hearing to Sandars; don’t do him an injustice or yourselves. If Lord Ward’s Interest demands that you shall not hear Mr. Sheridan, the Public Press will contain a faithful report of all he will say in reply, and will be published on Saturday morning.IMPARTIAL.To be Sold Cheap!—a Yarmouth BLOATER, none the worse for unsuccessful exposure for sale on the stalls of Bewdley and Dudley. For terms of Sale apply to The Priory!N.B.—The above Bloater is well cured!
TO THE ELECTORS OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
The aspect of this Election has assumed a character of a purely personal nature, in which Politics are entirely forgotten.
While I feel my own individual claims to the honor of representing you in Parliament have not even been called in question, and am deeply sensible of the kind manner in which I have been generally received, I cannot disguise from myself that in the present state of feeling in the Borough, arising from misrepresentation, and a disinclination on the part of the Electors to calmly consider the actual facts of the case, the result of a direct appeal to the Constituency would be doubtful.
Under these circumstances I have resolved to retire from the contest, persisting in which would occasion an unusual amount of ill feeling, and be painful to those, who, having hitherto acted together during the whole of their Political life, would on this occasion be found ranged in opposition to each other.
Time, I trust, will convince you, that I came forward on purely Independent grounds, as a supporter of the energetic policy of Lord Palmerston, to uphold which I believe to be the real wish of the Electors of Dudley.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
J. SANDARS.
Dudley, 27th, March, 1857.
NOT WANTED! “THE WEAKLY PRESS-GANG!”
URGENTLY WANTED!!
A GOOD LEADER THERE FOR!
Must be a Leader ofprincipalwherewith to prop the LOCAL BUTTER Paperinterest!!!LocalCockney Correspondents, Castle Toadies, Priory Vassals, Quibbling Quacks, Old Women, Lazy Printers’ Devils, and Industrious Nonentities, especially needed, as the Butter Paper Press,aliasthe “Weakly Times,” is in feeble health!!!
By order of the Society for the prohibition of useless knowledge, the protection of the Queen’s English, and the total suppression of the Public Traffic in Cheap Composition, Cant, Cabbage, and Castle-toadyism.
Address—
COBBLEM & MACKEMTIRE,
Little Castle Alley!!!
A FRIEND OF ONE THAT HAS BRAINS TO RATTLE.
DUDLEY ELECTION.
What causes Electors to wish for the Ballot?
What causes Electors to remain neutral?
What causes Chartism?
Through Lords or their Agents to exert authority or power in an Insolent, Arbitrary, or Tyrannical manner.
Down with such, and we, as Englishmen, had ought to enjoy that Charter which was given to us by King John.
Stick true to those liberties you have, and not be slaves to any one. Use your own opinion and fear no one.
AN ELECTOR.
STOP.
ELECTORS OF DUDLEY beMen.—Thinkfor yourselves.—Votefor yourselves.—Do not allow any Lord to rob you of your franchise.
If you vote for Sandars you sanction the right of Lord Ward to choose your Representative.—You abandon your right of selecting one that is independent.
If Sandars be elected he dare not vote in opposition to his Lordship’s will, if he did he would soon cease to be Member for Dudley, under such circumstances he will be Lord Ward’s and not your Member.
How has Lord Ward treated Sir Stafford H. Northcote? Most shamefully; there is proof in this town that Sir Stafford did not go to North Devon as a matter of choice.—He abandoned Dudley because Lord Ward abandoned him for Voting honorably on the China question in opposition to the Ministry which has the support of Lord Ward, on that ground his Lordship sent us Mr. Sandars.—Now this Gentleman told us at his first Meeting that he had his Lordship’s support, that his Lordship spent a quarter of a million annually in ‘this Borough’ (wesuppose this was a mistake, and that he meant ‘the world’) and that therefore his Lordship had a right to be represented.
The meaning of this could not be mistaken, but let us ask why does not his Lordship act and vote for himself in the House of Peers? Let him use his hereditary privileges for the protection of his rights and not rob us of ours.—We would not ask by what means his ancestors became entitled to the Estates the income whereof enables so large an expenditure; but we will tell his Lordship that were he alone upon those Estates, and had not the assistance and labor of the surrounding inhabitants, he would have no income to expend—Thus it is clear that his Lordship is indebted to the people, and not the people to him. Shall he then hold us in hereditary bondage with the very means the people create for him? Shall he put a veto on the use of our intellects and nominatehisasourRepresentative without a struggle on our part? Could our ancestors arise they would be ashamed of us, they would weep to see us licking the dust upon the heels of power without an effort to be free.
This nominee tells us he is a supporter of Lord Palmerston on the China question, which means that he, Sandars, will back themurder and wholesale butcheryin China of thousands of innocent men; he will support the Government in burning and destroying the houses of the rich and poor at Canton; he is the man to aid and abet the breaking out of war on the part of the English, without the knowledge or assent of the people, or of the Parliament: he is the man to uphold the Government in setting the vote of the Peoples’ Representatives at defiance: he is the man who talks of assisting in the reduction of the Income Tax, and yet will afford facilities for the expenditure of our money in war without our knowledge or consent: he is the man who on the hustings at Bewdley alleged that he was a follower of Earl Derby, and now comes here in opposition to that Nobleman on the very question which has broken up the present Parliament.
ELECTORS “awake, arise, or be for ever fallen.” Men of all shades of Politics, Whig and Tory, buckle on your armour, go hand in hand, beat back the foe that would rob you of your franchise. Shew your independence, let cowardice be distant. It is not a question between Whig and Tory that we have to decide, (Sandars is neither Whig or Tory,) but between Independence and Mental Slavery. The days when Lordlings treated Villagers as Serfs and Vassals have passed, and it is only history that should remind us that such things were.
Shall we return to serfdom and vassalage?—No.
Is the Lord of our manor to nominate our man, and say as of old “to hear is to obey”?—No.
Stir yourselves, put an end to your lethargy, rally round the standard of the worthy, independent, and intelligent Mr.SHERIDAN; go forth to the battle determined to defend your rights, even as our ancestors would have done with their blood, and Victory shall be yours.
AN ELECTOR.
DUDLEY ELECTION—
The Rival Candidates—Which is the True and Consistent one?
Brother Electors,
Be not deceived! Look at the member for Yarmouth’s policy at Bewdley—examine well his opinions upon that occasion, and then turn to his address to you—can you call this man Consistent? Is he one that you can trust? Common-sense men will tell you NO! And we trust that you will echo and repeat this answer No!—to the poll—and prove to everybody that you will not have a man who comes under false colours, or who is a mere Weathercock to suit the several constituencies to whom he may offer himself. A Derbyite to the Electors of Bewdley, and a Palmerstonian to Lord Ward, whom He deems to be the “Borough of Dudley” itself. Ponder this and you will then plump for the man who has so nobly responded to your call—the man who bears the time-honoured name ofHenry Brinsley Sheridan.
Brother Electors, do not be deceived!
AN INDEPENDENT ELECTOR.
A FEW LINES TO THE PRAISE OF THE CASTLE BLOATER!
SHERIDAN, the brave has come to the scratch,And in him thebloaterwill find a good match;When back’d by a BADGER and “Marine store,”Thebloaterwill find his existence is o’er!Chorus.So ye voters of Dudley, now come to a man,And vote for thehonestH. B. SHERIDAN.Mr. Stoke-em, and Bed-em, Insult-em, and all,Declare that the power of the Castle shall fall!!And prove to his Lordship, and also his men,We’ll have for our M.P.—H. B. SHERIDAN.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.ISAAC BADGER with honor has left all the knavesWho stick to his Lordship because they’re his slaves;For Dick Smith and T—r have tried all they can,But BADGER has stuck to us like a true man.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.For the power of his Lordship we don’t care a straw,And we’ll show him in Dudley hiswillis not law!At his Lordship and Dickey we’ll level a reef,Not at Christmas to rob his poor men of their beefSo ye voters of Dudley, &c.But sure with poor Dickey I don’t want to quarrel,Although to us he was sent pack’d up in a barrel!The barrel was pierc’d with holes very fine,If they’d found him out, he’d been hung with a line.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.
SHERIDAN, the brave has come to the scratch,And in him thebloaterwill find a good match;When back’d by a BADGER and “Marine store,”Thebloaterwill find his existence is o’er!Chorus.So ye voters of Dudley, now come to a man,And vote for thehonestH. B. SHERIDAN.Mr. Stoke-em, and Bed-em, Insult-em, and all,Declare that the power of the Castle shall fall!!And prove to his Lordship, and also his men,We’ll have for our M.P.—H. B. SHERIDAN.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.ISAAC BADGER with honor has left all the knavesWho stick to his Lordship because they’re his slaves;For Dick Smith and T—r have tried all they can,But BADGER has stuck to us like a true man.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.For the power of his Lordship we don’t care a straw,And we’ll show him in Dudley hiswillis not law!At his Lordship and Dickey we’ll level a reef,Not at Christmas to rob his poor men of their beefSo ye voters of Dudley, &c.But sure with poor Dickey I don’t want to quarrel,Although to us he was sent pack’d up in a barrel!The barrel was pierc’d with holes very fine,If they’d found him out, he’d been hung with a line.So ye voters of Dudley, &c.
SHERIDAN, the brave has come to the scratch,And in him thebloaterwill find a good match;When back’d by a BADGER and “Marine store,”Thebloaterwill find his existence is o’er!
SHERIDAN, the brave has come to the scratch,
And in him thebloaterwill find a good match;
When back’d by a BADGER and “Marine store,”
Thebloaterwill find his existence is o’er!
Chorus.
So ye voters of Dudley, now come to a man,
And vote for thehonestH. B. SHERIDAN.
Mr. Stoke-em, and Bed-em, Insult-em, and all,Declare that the power of the Castle shall fall!!And prove to his Lordship, and also his men,We’ll have for our M.P.—H. B. SHERIDAN.
Mr. Stoke-em, and Bed-em, Insult-em, and all,
Declare that the power of the Castle shall fall!!
And prove to his Lordship, and also his men,
We’ll have for our M.P.—H. B. SHERIDAN.
So ye voters of Dudley, &c.
ISAAC BADGER with honor has left all the knavesWho stick to his Lordship because they’re his slaves;For Dick Smith and T—r have tried all they can,But BADGER has stuck to us like a true man.
ISAAC BADGER with honor has left all the knaves
Who stick to his Lordship because they’re his slaves;
For Dick Smith and T—r have tried all they can,
But BADGER has stuck to us like a true man.
So ye voters of Dudley, &c.
For the power of his Lordship we don’t care a straw,And we’ll show him in Dudley hiswillis not law!At his Lordship and Dickey we’ll level a reef,Not at Christmas to rob his poor men of their beef
For the power of his Lordship we don’t care a straw,
And we’ll show him in Dudley hiswillis not law!
At his Lordship and Dickey we’ll level a reef,
Not at Christmas to rob his poor men of their beef
So ye voters of Dudley, &c.
But sure with poor Dickey I don’t want to quarrel,Although to us he was sent pack’d up in a barrel!The barrel was pierc’d with holes very fine,If they’d found him out, he’d been hung with a line.
But sure with poor Dickey I don’t want to quarrel,
Although to us he was sent pack’d up in a barrel!
The barrel was pierc’d with holes very fine,
If they’d found him out, he’d been hung with a line.
So ye voters of Dudley, &c.
Just arrived, a few Barrels of choice YARMOUTH BLOATERS, 7 a 1d., stirred up fresh from the bottom.
DUDLEY ELECTION.
The Tories and Radicals, strange though it be,Have banded together for “Libertie,”In the famous Borough of old Dudley;Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de dee,Oh, for his Lordship’s Nominee!So away they go, with a hop and a jump!Fish, flesh, and fowl, to find if they can,An ornithorincus kind of a man!Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de bump,Whig, Tory, and Radical all in a lump;There’s Badger, and Walker, and Cookee, and Stokes,And the devil knows how many capital folks!And they all are resolved, though they love bread and butter,To tickle his Lordship’s respectable crupper:Singing, go it, ye Britons, three cheers for the three,Lord Ward, Isaac Badger, and Sammy Cookee,The Radical, Whig, and jolly Tory;And good luck to the man who will purchase of me.—B.B.
The Tories and Radicals, strange though it be,Have banded together for “Libertie,”In the famous Borough of old Dudley;Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de dee,Oh, for his Lordship’s Nominee!So away they go, with a hop and a jump!Fish, flesh, and fowl, to find if they can,An ornithorincus kind of a man!Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de bump,Whig, Tory, and Radical all in a lump;There’s Badger, and Walker, and Cookee, and Stokes,And the devil knows how many capital folks!And they all are resolved, though they love bread and butter,To tickle his Lordship’s respectable crupper:Singing, go it, ye Britons, three cheers for the three,Lord Ward, Isaac Badger, and Sammy Cookee,The Radical, Whig, and jolly Tory;And good luck to the man who will purchase of me.—B.B.
The Tories and Radicals, strange though it be,
Have banded together for “Libertie,”
In the famous Borough of old Dudley;
Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de dee,
Oh, for his Lordship’s Nominee!
So away they go, with a hop and a jump!
Fish, flesh, and fowl, to find if they can,
An ornithorincus kind of a man!
Singing fiddle de diddle, diddle de bump,
Whig, Tory, and Radical all in a lump;
There’s Badger, and Walker, and Cookee, and Stokes,
And the devil knows how many capital folks!
And they all are resolved, though they love bread and butter,
To tickle his Lordship’s respectable crupper:
Singing, go it, ye Britons, three cheers for the three,
Lord Ward, Isaac Badger, and Sammy Cookee,
The Radical, Whig, and jolly Tory;
And good luck to the man who will purchase of me.—B.B.
DUDLEY ELECTION.
Fellow Electors,
By way of adding injury to the insult which Lord Ward and his party have already inflicted upon you, it is now currently reported that the Workmen of the Ward and Black-Cock interest have been made to understand that they must surround the hustings to-morrow morning, and prevent your own Candidate, SHERIDAN, from getting a hearing; so much for Liberty and Freedom of Speech! Let me advise you, at least to give a hearing to Sandars; don’t do him an injustice or yourselves. If Lord Ward’s Interest demands that you shall not hear Mr. Sheridan, the Public Press will contain a faithful report of all he will say in reply, and will be published on Saturday morning.
IMPARTIAL.
To be Sold Cheap!—a Yarmouth BLOATER, none the worse for unsuccessful exposure for sale on the stalls of Bewdley and Dudley. For terms of Sale apply to The Priory!
N.B.—The above Bloater is well cured!
1840-1. The bad trade at this time, and the disturbed state of the working classes, arising in a great measure from the poisoned seeds of anarchy and distrust which was then sown broadcast by the Chartist leaders amongst the idle, ignorant, and dissolute, made it incumbent upon the public authorities in Dudley to erect a safeguard against any sudden surprise to life and property; thus it was that a day and night patrol of the roads and streets was established to maintain the peace and keep order in the town, and the following respectable townsmen formed a section of our guardian angels—
John Roberts, Commandant.Seventh Division.Isaac Badger, Superintendent.E. Cresswell, Deputy Superintendent.Ed. Cresswell, jun.William BeddardH. AddenbrookeJohn BentSamuel EdwardsWilliam ColeDaniel ParkerJeremiah ParkerThomas BerryWilliam FellowesStephen DunnWilliam CooperJames WoodStephen HodgettsPeter MintyMoses HughesRichard StokesWilliam DeeleyGeorge Cardo
John Roberts, Commandant.
Seventh Division.
Isaac Badger, Superintendent.
E. Cresswell, Deputy Superintendent.
Ed. Cresswell, jun.William BeddardH. AddenbrookeJohn BentSamuel EdwardsWilliam ColeDaniel ParkerJeremiah ParkerThomas BerryWilliam Fellowes
Ed. Cresswell, jun.
William Beddard
H. Addenbrooke
John Bent
Samuel Edwards
William Cole
Daniel Parker
Jeremiah Parker
Thomas Berry
William Fellowes
Stephen DunnWilliam CooperJames WoodStephen HodgettsPeter MintyMoses HughesRichard StokesWilliam DeeleyGeorge Cardo
Stephen Dunn
William Cooper
James Wood
Stephen Hodgetts
Peter Minty
Moses Hughes
Richard Stokes
William Deeley
George Cardo
Instructions.—When summoned, to attend instantly; and when assembled on duty not to depart or absent themselves without permission from the Magistrates or their respective Superintendents. The ringing of the small and large bells of St. Thomas’s Church will be the signal for the immediate assembling of the whole Constabulary force. Every one disobeying these instructions will have the full penalty of the Law enforced against him. Fortunately for the comfort of these brave volunteers no bells were rung, neither did any dreaded Chartists appear to oppose their pot-valiant authority, but the capers which some of these “Specials” occasionally cut, and the midnight orgies at certain favoured houses of public resort, kept by many a “hearty good fellow,” where ale was strong and protection sure against all assaults upon the body, made these persons on special public duty memorable, and afforded food for scandal and amusement to many in after years.
The Dudley Poet and Rhymist.
“Oh! rare Ben Boucher, Boucher Ben;The best of Poets, but worst of men.”
“Oh! rare Ben Boucher, Boucher Ben;The best of Poets, but worst of men.”
“Oh! rare Ben Boucher, Boucher Ben;
The best of Poets, but worst of men.”
Ben BoucherBEN BOUCHER.THE DUDLEY POET, 1847.
BEN BOUCHER.THE DUDLEY POET, 1847.
This extraordinary old man was truly a “curiosity” in himself; for many years he enlivened the Black Country withdistichesof the ins and outs of life, in all its varied phases, by his peculiar doggerel poetry or songs, which the old man used to compose on any public event which struck his fancy or provoked his wrath. He then sallied out to the wondering public, and sold his songs at one penny per sheet, and familiar indeed was the figure of the old poet, daily in our streets vending his singular wares. He took up all sorts of sad, grim, and pleasurable subjects, from the hanging of some wretch at Stafford Gaol, to a dog, or cock fight at Sedgley, or Tipton. Ben Boucher was a Collier by trade, and was born at Horseley Heath, in the year 1769, but the greater part of his singular and irregular life was spent in Dudley, at certain favourite public house haunts, where his talents were appreciated, and his songs admired and read by the curious.
The following is a sample of some of his effusions:—On the death of Dr. Booker, away from Dudley.
St. Luke is dead—a Poet and Divine—I hope his spirit doth in glory shine.To save expense, and the roads being ugly,Or the Doctor would have come to Dudley.
St. Luke is dead—a Poet and Divine—I hope his spirit doth in glory shine.To save expense, and the roads being ugly,Or the Doctor would have come to Dudley.
St. Luke is dead—a Poet and Divine—
I hope his spirit doth in glory shine.
To save expense, and the roads being ugly,
Or the Doctor would have come to Dudley.
In Dudley town there lives a manWho deals in silk and clothes, sir;If you trust him your mutton to Cook,He’ll be sure to spoil your broth, sir.
In Dudley town there lives a manWho deals in silk and clothes, sir;If you trust him your mutton to Cook,He’ll be sure to spoil your broth, sir.
In Dudley town there lives a man
Who deals in silk and clothes, sir;
If you trust him your mutton to Cook,
He’ll be sure to spoil your broth, sir.
A certain tailor kept a horse for amusement in those days, not in the best condition, so we have the horse described:—
THE HORSE.
His back it is both long and thin,His belly has got no corn therein;He looks both naked and forlorn,And takes the whip instead of corn.
His back it is both long and thin,His belly has got no corn therein;He looks both naked and forlorn,And takes the whip instead of corn.
His back it is both long and thin,
His belly has got no corn therein;
He looks both naked and forlorn,
And takes the whip instead of corn.
Mr. Jno. Williams a highly respectable draper in the town, having altered his political opinions in those days, fell in for Ben’s animadversions on that occasion.
Where is big John the draper gone,Chairman at last election,The Bowling Green, that source of spleenWhich led to his detection.
Where is big John the draper gone,Chairman at last election,The Bowling Green, that source of spleenWhich led to his detection.
Where is big John the draper gone,
Chairman at last election,
The Bowling Green, that source of spleen
Which led to his detection.
Written on the pulling down of the old St. Thomas’s Parish Church:—
The seats and the windows, ah, and the clock too,Were sent on to Gornal, to their Gornal crew;For the sand men and asses, for to go to church,And the people of Dudley were left in the lurch.
The seats and the windows, ah, and the clock too,Were sent on to Gornal, to their Gornal crew;For the sand men and asses, for to go to church,And the people of Dudley were left in the lurch.
The seats and the windows, ah, and the clock too,
Were sent on to Gornal, to their Gornal crew;
For the sand men and asses, for to go to church,
And the people of Dudley were left in the lurch.
LINES ON DUDLEY MARKET, 1827.
At Dudley Market, now I tell,Most kind of articles they sell;The women take the greatest careTo buy up crocks and earthenware,Milkpans, and colliers’ tots,Coloured cups and chamber-pots.Old shoes to sell, there stands close by,With shabby strings—the same they tie;If in those shoes you walk about,The bottoms soon will tumble out—Hats, caps, and bonnets blue,And trowsers wide enough for two.—If you pop round the market placeThere you may buy a farthing lace;Besides penknives, for Jack and Jim,And razors for the daddy’s chin—Rocking-chairs and children’s cradles,Porridge-pots and wooden ladles.—Kash from Walsall, kills the worms;Judas brings a salve for corns;Mind these men or you’ll be bitten—Black Jack’s wife brings salve from Tipton—At the top of the Shambles Sally stands,She holds the basket in her hands:“Now my good people don’t be lacking,Here you may buy the best of blacking.”Just below, the butchers there you’ll find,With shows of meat to please the mind;From most parts these butchers come;Mind the steelyard—twig the thumb.—There’s hares, rabbits, and partridges, and pheasants, too,Some are shot by sportsmen, and some are hung by the neck, too—There’s butter, bacon, cheese, and eggs,Sold by old Giles with crooked legs—More than that if you just turn round,There’s gingerbread eightpence a pound!Besides plum pudding, both rich and nice,On the next stall twopence a slice.—In Stoney Street there stands the swine,Both right and left all in a line;They sell these pigs so much per score,So on that street I’ll say no more.—Come, to a tavern let us go,There’s some above and some below;There’s one that keeps good ale and pop,He also keeps a liquor shop;He sells roast beef down in Queen Street,His house is always clean and neat—Old Nanny Mason comes in with her nuts,And on the floor her basket puts;A curtsey drops, “Kind sirs,” says she,“Mine age is nearly eighty-three.”—Old Timms comes in, “All hot,” did cry,And you may either toss or buy.—There’s one-arm’d Joe among the lot,With mutton pies all smoking hot.Please to remember what I have said:You will never hear the like again.
At Dudley Market, now I tell,Most kind of articles they sell;The women take the greatest careTo buy up crocks and earthenware,Milkpans, and colliers’ tots,Coloured cups and chamber-pots.Old shoes to sell, there stands close by,With shabby strings—the same they tie;If in those shoes you walk about,The bottoms soon will tumble out—Hats, caps, and bonnets blue,And trowsers wide enough for two.—If you pop round the market placeThere you may buy a farthing lace;Besides penknives, for Jack and Jim,And razors for the daddy’s chin—Rocking-chairs and children’s cradles,Porridge-pots and wooden ladles.—Kash from Walsall, kills the worms;Judas brings a salve for corns;Mind these men or you’ll be bitten—Black Jack’s wife brings salve from Tipton—At the top of the Shambles Sally stands,She holds the basket in her hands:“Now my good people don’t be lacking,Here you may buy the best of blacking.”Just below, the butchers there you’ll find,With shows of meat to please the mind;From most parts these butchers come;Mind the steelyard—twig the thumb.—There’s hares, rabbits, and partridges, and pheasants, too,Some are shot by sportsmen, and some are hung by the neck, too—There’s butter, bacon, cheese, and eggs,Sold by old Giles with crooked legs—More than that if you just turn round,There’s gingerbread eightpence a pound!Besides plum pudding, both rich and nice,On the next stall twopence a slice.—In Stoney Street there stands the swine,Both right and left all in a line;They sell these pigs so much per score,So on that street I’ll say no more.—Come, to a tavern let us go,There’s some above and some below;There’s one that keeps good ale and pop,He also keeps a liquor shop;He sells roast beef down in Queen Street,His house is always clean and neat—Old Nanny Mason comes in with her nuts,And on the floor her basket puts;A curtsey drops, “Kind sirs,” says she,“Mine age is nearly eighty-three.”—Old Timms comes in, “All hot,” did cry,And you may either toss or buy.—There’s one-arm’d Joe among the lot,With mutton pies all smoking hot.Please to remember what I have said:You will never hear the like again.
At Dudley Market, now I tell,Most kind of articles they sell;The women take the greatest careTo buy up crocks and earthenware,Milkpans, and colliers’ tots,Coloured cups and chamber-pots.Old shoes to sell, there stands close by,With shabby strings—the same they tie;If in those shoes you walk about,The bottoms soon will tumble out—Hats, caps, and bonnets blue,And trowsers wide enough for two.—If you pop round the market placeThere you may buy a farthing lace;Besides penknives, for Jack and Jim,And razors for the daddy’s chin—Rocking-chairs and children’s cradles,Porridge-pots and wooden ladles.—Kash from Walsall, kills the worms;Judas brings a salve for corns;Mind these men or you’ll be bitten—Black Jack’s wife brings salve from Tipton—At the top of the Shambles Sally stands,She holds the basket in her hands:“Now my good people don’t be lacking,Here you may buy the best of blacking.”Just below, the butchers there you’ll find,With shows of meat to please the mind;From most parts these butchers come;Mind the steelyard—twig the thumb.—There’s hares, rabbits, and partridges, and pheasants, too,Some are shot by sportsmen, and some are hung by the neck, too—There’s butter, bacon, cheese, and eggs,Sold by old Giles with crooked legs—More than that if you just turn round,There’s gingerbread eightpence a pound!Besides plum pudding, both rich and nice,On the next stall twopence a slice.—In Stoney Street there stands the swine,Both right and left all in a line;They sell these pigs so much per score,So on that street I’ll say no more.—Come, to a tavern let us go,There’s some above and some below;There’s one that keeps good ale and pop,He also keeps a liquor shop;He sells roast beef down in Queen Street,His house is always clean and neat—Old Nanny Mason comes in with her nuts,And on the floor her basket puts;A curtsey drops, “Kind sirs,” says she,“Mine age is nearly eighty-three.”—Old Timms comes in, “All hot,” did cry,And you may either toss or buy.—There’s one-arm’d Joe among the lot,With mutton pies all smoking hot.
At Dudley Market, now I tell,
Most kind of articles they sell;
The women take the greatest care
To buy up crocks and earthenware,
Milkpans, and colliers’ tots,
Coloured cups and chamber-pots.
Old shoes to sell, there stands close by,
With shabby strings—the same they tie;
If in those shoes you walk about,
The bottoms soon will tumble out—
Hats, caps, and bonnets blue,
And trowsers wide enough for two.—
If you pop round the market place
There you may buy a farthing lace;
Besides penknives, for Jack and Jim,
And razors for the daddy’s chin—
Rocking-chairs and children’s cradles,
Porridge-pots and wooden ladles.—
Kash from Walsall, kills the worms;
Judas brings a salve for corns;
Mind these men or you’ll be bitten—
Black Jack’s wife brings salve from Tipton—
At the top of the Shambles Sally stands,
She holds the basket in her hands:
“Now my good people don’t be lacking,
Here you may buy the best of blacking.”
Just below, the butchers there you’ll find,
With shows of meat to please the mind;
From most parts these butchers come;
Mind the steelyard—twig the thumb.—
There’s hares, rabbits, and partridges, and pheasants, too,
Some are shot by sportsmen, and some are hung by the neck, too—
There’s butter, bacon, cheese, and eggs,
Sold by old Giles with crooked legs—
More than that if you just turn round,
There’s gingerbread eightpence a pound!
Besides plum pudding, both rich and nice,
On the next stall twopence a slice.—
In Stoney Street there stands the swine,
Both right and left all in a line;
They sell these pigs so much per score,
So on that street I’ll say no more.—
Come, to a tavern let us go,
There’s some above and some below;
There’s one that keeps good ale and pop,
He also keeps a liquor shop;
He sells roast beef down in Queen Street,
His house is always clean and neat—
Old Nanny Mason comes in with her nuts,
And on the floor her basket puts;
A curtsey drops, “Kind sirs,” says she,
“Mine age is nearly eighty-three.”—
Old Timms comes in, “All hot,” did cry,
And you may either toss or buy.—
There’s one-arm’d Joe among the lot,
With mutton pies all smoking hot.
Please to remember what I have said:You will never hear the like again.
Please to remember what I have said:
You will never hear the like again.
When Mr. Thomas Hawkes defeated Sir John Campbell at the election:—
Hawkes to Cape—ll gave a note,And for five pounds bought his vote;He therefore thus did change his coatAnd to the Tories gave his vote.
Hawkes to Cape—ll gave a note,And for five pounds bought his vote;He therefore thus did change his coatAnd to the Tories gave his vote.
Hawkes to Cape—ll gave a note,
And for five pounds bought his vote;
He therefore thus did change his coat
And to the Tories gave his vote.
ON A WATERLOO VETERAN
Charley was young and in his prime,A courting went to widow Pincher;She was shy, and fair, and fine,He was constant and no flincher.The time arrived when they got married,She had houses, and cows, Sirs, four,But Charley soon them all did swallid,And left her in an evil hour;He went and drank just like an ass,Then came home as you may guessAnd found her dead; but was not wise,So he’d make her do the exercise;The women did not like such jokes,So they sent off for T. Pitt Stokes—Who neck and crop to the Workhouse took himAnd in the dungeon they did hook him.This madman told the gentlemen,That he would fetch her back again,So they kept him there till she was buried,When he got home he was most worried.
Charley was young and in his prime,A courting went to widow Pincher;She was shy, and fair, and fine,He was constant and no flincher.The time arrived when they got married,She had houses, and cows, Sirs, four,But Charley soon them all did swallid,And left her in an evil hour;He went and drank just like an ass,Then came home as you may guessAnd found her dead; but was not wise,So he’d make her do the exercise;The women did not like such jokes,So they sent off for T. Pitt Stokes—Who neck and crop to the Workhouse took himAnd in the dungeon they did hook him.This madman told the gentlemen,That he would fetch her back again,So they kept him there till she was buried,When he got home he was most worried.
Charley was young and in his prime,
A courting went to widow Pincher;
She was shy, and fair, and fine,
He was constant and no flincher.
The time arrived when they got married,
She had houses, and cows, Sirs, four,
But Charley soon them all did swallid,
And left her in an evil hour;
He went and drank just like an ass,
Then came home as you may guess
And found her dead; but was not wise,
So he’d make her do the exercise;
The women did not like such jokes,
So they sent off for T. Pitt Stokes—
Who neck and crop to the Workhouse took him
And in the dungeon they did hook him.
This madman told the gentlemen,
That he would fetch her back again,
So they kept him there till she was buried,
When he got home he was most worried.
Many hundred comical verses by this singular man have perished from memory since his death, butBenwas a great Tory in his time, and his latter days were sustained by political association and sympathy. The old man at last became houseless and very poor, and was eventually removed to the Workhouse, where he died in 1851, being upwards of eighty years of age.
TO THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.Gentlemen,The proceedings of this morning at the Hustings having through your united generous efforts resulted in my being elected as your Representative in the ensuing Parliament, I hasten to tender you my most heartfelt acknowledgments for the honour you have conferred upon me in placing me in the proud position which it is now my privilege to occupy.I abstain from referring to the contest, which during my canvass appeared to be before me, and I cheerfully congratulate you on the peaceful and successful termination of the struggle in which we have been engaged.To you, Gentlemen, the victory is due; a more enlightened, faithful, and zealous body of supporters never rallied round a Candidate, even to vindicate the great right of Municipal Independence.Gentlemen, my political principles are now well known to you, they have been unreservedly communicated, and have your unqualified approbation. Believe me, it shall be my study vigorously to aid in giving effect to them in the House of Commons, and also to further all measures of local improvement or general principle which have the approval of my Constituents.I trust, Gentlemen, I shall ere long have an opportunity of renewing my personal acquaintance with you, and by interchanging those sentiments and feelings which have animated and sustained us in the contest now happily at an end.Till then I bid you farewell; and once more offering you my grateful acknowledgements,I have the honor to be,Your most obedient Servant,HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.Bush Hotel, Dudley, March 27, 1857.
TO THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
The proceedings of this morning at the Hustings having through your united generous efforts resulted in my being elected as your Representative in the ensuing Parliament, I hasten to tender you my most heartfelt acknowledgments for the honour you have conferred upon me in placing me in the proud position which it is now my privilege to occupy.
I abstain from referring to the contest, which during my canvass appeared to be before me, and I cheerfully congratulate you on the peaceful and successful termination of the struggle in which we have been engaged.
To you, Gentlemen, the victory is due; a more enlightened, faithful, and zealous body of supporters never rallied round a Candidate, even to vindicate the great right of Municipal Independence.
Gentlemen, my political principles are now well known to you, they have been unreservedly communicated, and have your unqualified approbation. Believe me, it shall be my study vigorously to aid in giving effect to them in the House of Commons, and also to further all measures of local improvement or general principle which have the approval of my Constituents.
I trust, Gentlemen, I shall ere long have an opportunity of renewing my personal acquaintance with you, and by interchanging those sentiments and feelings which have animated and sustained us in the contest now happily at an end.
Till then I bid you farewell; and once more offering you my grateful acknowledgements,
I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient Servant,
HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
Bush Hotel, Dudley, March 27, 1857.
This contest, so abruptly brought to a close by the resignation of Mr. Sandars at the eleventh hour, proclaimed the Political Independence of the Borough of Dudleyfor all time. The pointed pen of squibs and banter was more liberally used at this election than on former occasions, but it must be recollected that the 25 years past had brought new literary blood into the town; that our old sedate fashion of conducting an election had died out, and we had now entered upon a new path of fame and progression, which our grandfathers never dreamt about. However, “the horse-play” at the time was taken in good part, “a Roland was now and then given for an Oliver,” and there was not a few of our liege subjects who were more pleased than offended at being placed in the mirror of these stirring days. Mr. Sheridan received a truly public ovation on his leaving the town for London, and old, excited Dudley soon resumed its wonted quietude.
Died, April 18th, 1857, in lodgings in Birmingham, Mr. T. H. Naracher, a retired Chemist and Druggist from this town. Mr. Naracher had passed through a very eventful life. He was a native of Zurich, in Switzerland, and, in early life had travelled the continents of Europe andAmerica, and became a famous linguist. In the exciting, gambling Railway mania of 1844-5-6, poor Mr. Naracher invested his comfortable income, which was all swept away, and he died in poverty and indigence, aged 56 years.
Died, May 12th, 1857, Mr. Charles Lester, Wine and Spirit Merchant, Market Place, the last surviving son of the late Mr. Thomas Lester, aged 36 years.
June 2nd, 1857. The Dudley Castle Fetes took place this day, when two large siege guns, taken at Sebastopol from the Russians, were drawn up to the rampart of the Castle Keep, and inaugurated as trophies with great pomp and acclamation by the Dudley Troop of Worcestershire Yeomanry.
July 20th, 1857. The Odd Fellows of the Manchester Unity walked in procession with their regalia through the town this day, and dined at their various Lodge rooms.
Died, July 22nd, 1857, Mr. Benjamin Leadbetter, a noted Querist.
August, 1857. Upon the appointment to the important situation of Organist to the Parish Church, much uncharitable feeling was generated in the parish by the Vicar, Dr. Browne, refusing the use of the vestry to arrange and discuss this parochial business; ultimately, the Vicar gained his especial point, and all that the Churchwardens could do was to bottle the affront offered to them and the parish, and publish the following correspondence to tell its own tale.
APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST.To the Subscribers to the St. Thomas’s Congregational Fund.Gentlemen,The Vicar, having refused the use of the Vestry Room for the Meeting appointed to take place this morning, and published the communication referring thereto, we beg to lay before you the whole correspondence that has passed between us, and part of which Dr. Browne chooses to say was so unsatisfactory as to induce him, and the Churchwardens, somewhat hastily to appoint an Organist; after the Meeting of the 14th we called upon the Vicar to consult him on this business, and it was arranged and distinctly understood that we should immediately advertise the vacancy, and appoint by umpire or otherwise, to be subsequently decided on, Mr. Woodall continuing until the end of this month, and, if unsuccessful as a Candidate, to be paid for his services. We leave it for your consideration whether we have merited the extraordinary treatment we have received from Dr. Browne.The Office you kindly appointed us to being now at an end, we have to thank you very sincerely for your confidence in us,And remain, Gentlemen,Yours faithfully,DANIEL JORDAN,SAMUEL PRICE.Dudley, August 24th, 1857.The Vicarage, Dudley, 14th August, 1857.Messrs. JORDAN & PRICE,Dear Sirs,“The unanimous and satisfactory decision of the Meeting having this day committed the same routine of duty to your especial care and attention, I have to request that you will make the formation of a Male Choir and the distinct prohibition of Female Singers one main feature in your negociations with any party or parties respecting the appointment of Organist, and I am inclined to the idea that you should revert, as suggested, to another advertisement; some two or more individuals should be selected from whom the Vicar and Warden or Wardens should be empowered to appoint one, by this means I trust all unnecessary clashing of Local and Official authority will be effectually avoided.”“I shall feel obliged by sufficient parchments being forwarded for the copying some 1,800 Baptisms and about two-thirds that number of Burials, for the years 1855 and 1856; each sheet contains 32 copies, the numbers would be 56 of the former and 40 of the latter; this, you will observe, does not include the present year 1857, which will require a moiety of the above,viz.in toto} 84 Baptism Sheets, and} 60 Burial dittoI am, dear Sirs,Yours very faithfully,JAMES C. BROWNE.P.S.—There is half-a-year due for Surplice washing to Mrs. Clayton.Dudley, August 15th, 1857.To the Rev. Dr. BROWNE,Dear Sir,“In reply to yours of yesterday, we shall be happy to comply with your requests so far as agreeable to the wishes of the congregation, we hope to succeed in forming a Male Choir when an Organist is appointed, giving him the power of making choice of Singers; we shall proceed at once to advertise for an Organist, and deem it desirable to call a General Meeting of the Congregation for the purpose of selecting a fit and proper person to that office. We do not agree to provide you with parchment sheets for the purpose of copying Registers for several years, the Meeting yesterday agreed to an item of Register Book if required.”“We paid Surplice Washing for the year ending 25th March last, and shall be happy to pay the same this year. We have no desire to clash with Official Authorities, we can have but one object in view, and that is for the comfort and happiness of the Church, Pastors, and People.”We are, yours truly,DANIEL JORDAN,SAMUEL PRICE.Saturday, August 22nd, 1857.To the Rev. Dr. Browne.Dear Sir,“It is reported in this day’s Birmingham Journal that you have made the Organist, will you please inform us if the statement is correct.”We are, yours truly,SAMUEL PRICE,DANIEL JORDAN.Dr. BROWNEto Messrs. PRICE & JORDAN.The Vicarage, August 22nd. 1857.“The Vicar in reply to a note this day received, signed by Messrs. Price and Jordan, herewith transmits a Copy of the Circular[34]issued two days since, of which he fully understood they had each previously received a copy in common with all the other Subscribers.”To The Rev. Dr. BROWNE.Dear Sir,“We beg to hand you a Copy of Notice for a Meeting of St. Thomas’s Congregation, to be holden (by your permission), at the Vestry room, on Monday Morning next.”Yours truly,JORDAN & PRICE.Dudley, August 22nd, 1857.The Vicarage, Dudley, 22nd August, 1857.[35]“The Vicar has to acknowledge the receipt of a note signed by Messrs. Jordan & Price wherein he is requested to sanction a Meeting “Relating to the Appointment of Organist,” in his Church Vestry-room, on Monday, at 10 o’clock a.m.”“The above question having been definitely settled by the Churchwardens and himself, he, the Vicar declines the use of his Vestry room for such an already decided purpose.”
To the Subscribers to the St. Thomas’s Congregational Fund.
Gentlemen,
The Vicar, having refused the use of the Vestry Room for the Meeting appointed to take place this morning, and published the communication referring thereto, we beg to lay before you the whole correspondence that has passed between us, and part of which Dr. Browne chooses to say was so unsatisfactory as to induce him, and the Churchwardens, somewhat hastily to appoint an Organist; after the Meeting of the 14th we called upon the Vicar to consult him on this business, and it was arranged and distinctly understood that we should immediately advertise the vacancy, and appoint by umpire or otherwise, to be subsequently decided on, Mr. Woodall continuing until the end of this month, and, if unsuccessful as a Candidate, to be paid for his services. We leave it for your consideration whether we have merited the extraordinary treatment we have received from Dr. Browne.
The Office you kindly appointed us to being now at an end, we have to thank you very sincerely for your confidence in us,
And remain, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
DANIEL JORDAN,
SAMUEL PRICE.
Dudley, August 24th, 1857.
The Vicarage, Dudley, 14th August, 1857.
Messrs. JORDAN & PRICE,
Dear Sirs,
“The unanimous and satisfactory decision of the Meeting having this day committed the same routine of duty to your especial care and attention, I have to request that you will make the formation of a Male Choir and the distinct prohibition of Female Singers one main feature in your negociations with any party or parties respecting the appointment of Organist, and I am inclined to the idea that you should revert, as suggested, to another advertisement; some two or more individuals should be selected from whom the Vicar and Warden or Wardens should be empowered to appoint one, by this means I trust all unnecessary clashing of Local and Official authority will be effectually avoided.”
“I shall feel obliged by sufficient parchments being forwarded for the copying some 1,800 Baptisms and about two-thirds that number of Burials, for the years 1855 and 1856; each sheet contains 32 copies, the numbers would be 56 of the former and 40 of the latter; this, you will observe, does not include the present year 1857, which will require a moiety of the above,
viz.in toto} 84 Baptism Sheets, and} 60 Burial ditto
viz.in toto
viz.in toto
} 84 Baptism Sheets, and} 60 Burial ditto
} 84 Baptism Sheets, and} 60 Burial ditto
I am, dear Sirs,
Yours very faithfully,
JAMES C. BROWNE.
P.S.—There is half-a-year due for Surplice washing to Mrs. Clayton.
Dudley, August 15th, 1857.
To the Rev. Dr. BROWNE,
Dear Sir,
“In reply to yours of yesterday, we shall be happy to comply with your requests so far as agreeable to the wishes of the congregation, we hope to succeed in forming a Male Choir when an Organist is appointed, giving him the power of making choice of Singers; we shall proceed at once to advertise for an Organist, and deem it desirable to call a General Meeting of the Congregation for the purpose of selecting a fit and proper person to that office. We do not agree to provide you with parchment sheets for the purpose of copying Registers for several years, the Meeting yesterday agreed to an item of Register Book if required.”
“We paid Surplice Washing for the year ending 25th March last, and shall be happy to pay the same this year. We have no desire to clash with Official Authorities, we can have but one object in view, and that is for the comfort and happiness of the Church, Pastors, and People.”
We are, yours truly,
DANIEL JORDAN,
SAMUEL PRICE.
Saturday, August 22nd, 1857.
To the Rev. Dr. Browne.
Dear Sir,
“It is reported in this day’s Birmingham Journal that you have made the Organist, will you please inform us if the statement is correct.”
We are, yours truly,
SAMUEL PRICE,
DANIEL JORDAN.
Dr. BROWNEto Messrs. PRICE & JORDAN.
The Vicarage, August 22nd. 1857.
“The Vicar in reply to a note this day received, signed by Messrs. Price and Jordan, herewith transmits a Copy of the Circular[34]issued two days since, of which he fully understood they had each previously received a copy in common with all the other Subscribers.”
To The Rev. Dr. BROWNE.
Dear Sir,
“We beg to hand you a Copy of Notice for a Meeting of St. Thomas’s Congregation, to be holden (by your permission), at the Vestry room, on Monday Morning next.”
Yours truly,
JORDAN & PRICE.
Dudley, August 22nd, 1857.
The Vicarage, Dudley, 22nd August, 1857.
[35]“The Vicar has to acknowledge the receipt of a note signed by Messrs. Jordan & Price wherein he is requested to sanction a Meeting “Relating to the Appointment of Organist,” in his Church Vestry-room, on Monday, at 10 o’clock a.m.”
“The above question having been definitely settled by the Churchwardens and himself, he, the Vicar declines the use of his Vestry room for such an already decided purpose.”
September 3rd, 1857. Married, at St. Edmund’s Church, by her father, Miss Emily Mason Davies, eldest daughter of the Rev. John Davies, M.A., the Vicar, to Mr. Charles Cochrane, Ironmaster, of Middlesboro’, Yorkshire.
September 11th, 1857. Miss Emma Saunders, a very popular Dudley Vocalist, this day sailed for Adelaide, South Australia, to be married on her arrival.
A “Practical Joke,” was at the time played upon our worthy Mayor, Mr. John Beddard, which caused the following rejoinder from his Worship.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNERTOH. B. SHERIDAN, ESQ., M.P.TheMayorhaving had his attention called to an Advertisement in the Birmingham Journal of to-day, announcing that he will take the Chair at the intended “Complimentary Dinner” to H. B. Sheridan, Esq., on Thursday next, begs to state that such an announcement is entirely without his knowledge or sanction, he having, at once, when applied to, explained the improbability of his being able to attend.JOHN BEDDARD, Mayor.Dudley, September 12th, 1857.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNERTOH. B. SHERIDAN, ESQ., M.P.
TheMayorhaving had his attention called to an Advertisement in the Birmingham Journal of to-day, announcing that he will take the Chair at the intended “Complimentary Dinner” to H. B. Sheridan, Esq., on Thursday next, begs to state that such an announcement is entirely without his knowledge or sanction, he having, at once, when applied to, explained the improbability of his being able to attend.
JOHN BEDDARD, Mayor.
Dudley, September 12th, 1857.
September 15th, 1857. H. B. Sheridan, Esq., M.P. came amongst us to attend a “Complimentary Dinner,” but a good deal of the fire of the late election had gone out, and he was received rather coolly by some of his recent ardent supporters.