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diff --git a/18821-8.txt b/18821-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9b0c87f --- /dev/null +++ b/18821-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8470 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Personal Recollections of Birmingham and +Birmingham Men, by E. Edwards + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Personal Recollections of Birmingham and Birmingham Men + +Author: E. Edwards + +Release Date: July 13, 2006 [EBook #18821] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIRMINGHAM *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Patricia Bennett and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS + +OF + +BIRMINGHAM + +AND + +BIRMINGHAM MEN. + +REPRINTED FROM THE "BIRMINGHAM DAILY MAIL," + +WITH REVISIONS, CORRECTIONS, AND ADDITIONS. + + +By E. EDWARDS. + + + +BIRMINGHAM: +MIDLAND EDUCATIONAL TRADING COMPANY LIMITED. + +1877. + +[_All Rights Reserved_] + + +These sketches, with the signature "_S.D.R._," were originally +published in the _Birmingham Daily Mail_ newspaper. The earliest were +written, as their title indicated, entirely from memory. Afterwards, +when the title was no longer strictly accurate, it was retained +for the purpose of showing the connection of the series. It must be +understood, however, that for many of the facts and dates in the later +sketches the writer is indebted to others. + +The whole series has been very carefully revised, and some errors have +been rectified. The writer would have preferred to remain _incognito_, +but he is advised that, as the authorship is now generally known, it +would be mere affectation to withhold his name. He hopes shortly to +commence the publication of another series. + +_December_, 1877. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF BIRMINGHAM 1 + +THE BULL RING RIOTS, 1839 19 + +GOSSIP ABOUT ROYALTY 37 + +BIRMINGHAM BANKS, OLD AND NEW 45 + +JOHN WALSH WALSH AND THE ASTON FÊTES 69 + +G.F. MUNTZ, M.P. 79 + +JOSEPH GILLOTT 89 + +HENRY VAN WART, J.P. 101 + +CHARLES SHAW, J.P. 108 + +ROBERT WALTER WINFIELD, J.P. 116 + +CHARLES GEACH, M.P. 125 + +WILLIAM SANDS COX, F.R.S. 132 + +GEORGE EDMONDS 140 + +CHARLES VINCE 155 + +JOHN SMITH, SOLICITOR 164 + + + + +FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF BIRMINGHAM. + + +It is a fine autumnal morning in the year 1837. I am sitting on the box +seat of a stage coach, in the yard of the Bull-and-Mouth, St. +Martin's-le-Grand, in the City of London. The splendid gray horses seem +anxious to be off, but their heads are held by careful grooms. The metal +fittings of the harness glitter in the early sunlight. Jew pedlar-boys +offer me razors and penknives at prices unheard of in the shops. Porters +bring carpet-bags and strange-looking packages of all sizes, and, to my +great inconvenience, keep lifting up the foot-board, to deposit them in +the "front boot." A solemn-looking man, whose nose is preternaturally +red, holds carefully a silver-mounted whip. Passengers arrive, and climb +to the roof of the coach, before and behind, until we are "full +outside." Then the guard comes with a list, carefully checks off all our +names, and retires to the booking office, from which a minute later he +returns. He is this time accompanied by the coachman, who is a handsome, +roguish-looking man. He wears a white hat, his boots are brilliantly +polished, his drab great-coat is faultlessly clean, and the dark blue +neckerchief is daintily tied. His whiskers are carefully brushed forward +and curled, the flower in the button-hole is as fresh as if that +instant plucked, and he has a look as if he were well fed, and in all +other respects well cared for. + +Looking admiringly over the horses, and taking the whip from his +satellite, who touches his hat as he gives it up, Jehu takes the reins +in hand; mounts rapidly to his seat; adjusts the "apron;" glances +backward; gets the signal from the guard, who has just jumped up--bugle +in hand--behind; arranges the "ribbons" in his well-gloved hand; +produces a sound, somehow, with his tongue, that would puzzle the most +skilful printer in the world to print phonetically, but which a Pole or +a Russian would possibly understand if printed "tzchk;" gently shakes +the reins, and we are off. + +As we pass toward the gateway, the guard strikes up with the bugle, and +makes the place resound with the well-known air, "Off, off, said the +stranger." Emerging upon the street, we see, issuing from an opposite +gateway, a dozen omnibuses, driven by scarlet-coated coachmen, and laden +entirely with scarlet-coated passengers. Each of these men is a "general +postman," and he is on his way to his "beat." As the vehicle arrives at +the most convenient point, he will alight and commence the "morning" +delivery. The process will be repeated in the evening; and these two +deliveries suffice, then, for all the "country" correspondence sent to +London. + +Leaving them, our coach passes on through busy Aldersgate Street, where +we are interrupted frequently by droves of sheep and numerous oxen on +their way from Smithfield to the slaughter-houses of their purchasers. +On through Goswell Street, alive with cries of "milk" and "water +creeses." On through Goswell Road; past Sadler's Wells; over the New +River, then an open stream; and in a few minutes we pull up at "The +Angel." Here we take in some internal cargo. A lady of middle age, and +of far beyond middle size, has "booked inside," and is very desirous +that a ban-box (without the "d") should go inside, too. This the guard +declines to allow, and this matter being otherwise arranged, on we go +again. Through "Merrie Islington" to Highgate, where we pass under the +great archway, then newly built; on to Barnet, where we stop to change +horses, and where I stand up to have a look at my fellow outside +passengers. There is not a lady amongst us. Coachman, guard, and +passengers, we are fourteen. We all wear "top" hats, of which five are +white; each hat, white or black, has its band of black crape. King +William IV. was lately dead, and every decently dressed man in the +country then wore some badge of mourning. + +During the whole of that long day we rattled on. Through sleepy towns +and pleasant villages; past the barracks at Weedon, near which we cross +a newly-built bridge, on the summit of which the coachman pulls up, and +we see a deep cutting through the fields on our right, and a long and +high embankment on the left. Scores of men, and horses drawing +strange-looking vehicles, are hard at work, and we are told that this is +to be the "London and Birmingham Railway," which the coachman adds "is +going to drive _us_ off the road." On we go again, through the noble +avenue of trees near Dunchurch; through quaint and picturesque Coventry; +past Meriden, where we see the words, "Meriden School," built curiously, +with vari-coloured bricks, into a boundary wall. On still; until at +length the coachman, as the sun declines to the west, points out, amid a +gloomy cloud in front of us, the dim outlines of the steeples and +factory chimneys of Birmingham. On still; down the wide open roadway of +Deritend; past the many-gabled "Old Crown House;" through the only +really picturesque street in Birmingham--Digbeth; up the Bull Ring, the +guard merrily trolling out upon his bugle, "See the Conquering Hero +Comes;" round the corner into New Street where we pull up--the horses +covered with foam--at the doors of "The Swan." Our journey has taken us +just twelve hours. + +And this is Birmingham! The place which I, in pleasant Kent and Surrey, +had so often heard of, but had never seen. This is the town which, five +years before, had vanquished the Conqueror of the Great Napoleon! This +is the place which, for the first time in his life, had compelled the +great Duke of Wellington to capitulate! This is the home of those who, +headed by Attwood, had compelled the Duke and his army--the House of +Lords--to submit, and to pass the memorable Reform Bill of 1832! + +My destination was at the top of Bull Street, where my apartments were +ready, and a walk to that spot completed an eventful day for me. I had +come down on a special business matter, but I remained six months, and a +few years later came again and settled down in Birmingham. My +impressions of the place during those six months are fresh upon my +memory now; and, if I write them down, may be interesting to some of the +three hundred thousand people now in Birmingham, who know nothing of its +aspect then. + +Bull Street was then the principal street in Birmingham for retail +business, and it contained some very excellent shops. Most of the then +existing names have disappeared, but a few remain. Mr. Suffield, to +whose courtesy I am indebted for the loan of the rare print from which +the frontispiece to this little book is copied, then occupied the +premises near the bottom of the street, which he still retains. Mr. +Adkins, the druggist, carried on the business established almost a +century ago. He is now the oldest inhabitant of Bull Street, having been +born in the house he still occupies before the commencement of the +present century. Mr. Gargory--still hale, vigorous, and hearty, although +rapidly approaching his eightieth year--then tenanted the shop next +below Mr. Keirle, the fishmonger. His present shop and that of Mr. +Harris, the dyer, occupy the site of the then Quakers' Meeting House, +which was a long, barn-like building, standing lengthwise to the street, +and not having a window on that side to break the dreary expanse of +brickwork. Mr. Benson was in those days as celebrated for beef and +civility as he is now. Mr. Page had just opened the shawl shop still +carried on by his widow. Near the Coach Yard was the shop of Mr. Hudson, +the bookseller, whose son still carries on the business established by +his father in 1821. In 1837, Mr. Hudson, Sen., was the publisher of a +very well conducted liberal paper called _The Philanthropist_. The paper +only existed some four or five years. It deserved a better fate. Next +door to Mr. Hudson's was the shop of the father of the present Messrs. +Southall. All these places have been materially altered, but the wine +and spirit stores of Mrs. Peters, at the corner of Temple Row, are +to-day, I think, exactly what they were forty years ago. The Brothers +Cadbury--a name now celebrated all over the world--were then, as will be +seen by reference to the frontispiece, shopkeepers in Bull Street, the +one as a silk mercer, the other as a tea dealer. The latter commenced in +Crooked Lane the manufacture of cocoa, in which business the name is +still eminent. The Borough Bank at that time occupied the premises +nearly opposite Union Passage, which are now used by Messrs. Smith as a +carpet shop. In all other respects--except where the houses near the +bottom are set back, and the widening of Temple Row--the street is +little altered, except that nearly every shop has been newly fronted. + +High Street, from Bull Street to Carrs Lane, is a good deal altered. The +Tamworth Banking Company occupied a lofty building nearly opposite the +bottom of Bull Street, where for a very few years they carried on +business, and the premises afterwards were occupied by Mrs. Syson, as a +hosier's shop. The other buildings on both sides were small and +insignificant, and they were mostly pulled down when the Great Western +Railway Company tunneled under the street to make their line to Snow +Hill. "Taylor and Lloyd's" Bank was then in Dale End. The passage +running by the side of their premises is still called "Bank Alley." +Carrs Lane had a very narrow opening, and the Corn Exchange was not +built. Most of the courts and passages in High Street were then filled +with small dwelling houses, and the workshops of working bookbinders. +Messrs. Westley Richards and Co. had their gun factory in one of them. +The large pile of buildings built by Mr. Richards for Laing and Co., and +now occupied by Messrs. Manton, the Bodega Company, and others, is the +most important variation from the High Street of forty years ago. The +narrow footpaths and contracted roadway were as inconveniently crowded +as they are to-day. The house now occupied by Innes, Smith, and Co. was +then a grocer's shop, and the inscription over the door was "Dakin and +Ridgway," two names which now, in London, are known to everybody as +those of the most important retail tea dealers in the metropolis. Mr. +Ridgway established the large concern in King William Street, and Mr. +Dakin was the founder of "No. 1, St. Paul's Churchyard." + +New Street is greatly altered. At that time it was not much more lively +than Newhall Street is now. The Grammar School is just as it was; the +Theatre, externally, is not much altered; "The Hen and Chickens" remains +the same; the Town Hall, though not then finished, looked the same from +New Street; and the portico of the Society of Artists' rooms stood over +the pavement then. With these exceptions I only know one more building +that has not been pulled down, or so altered as to be unrecognisable. +The exemption is the excrescence called Christ Church, which still +disfigures the very finest site in the whole town. + +Hyam and Co. had removed from the opposite side of the street, and had +just opened as a tailor's shop the queer old building known as the +"Pantechnetheca," and the ever-youthful Mr. Holliday was at "Warwick +House." The recollections of what the "House" was then makes me smile as +I write. It had originally been two private houses. The one abutted upon +the footway, and the other stood some thirty feet back, a pretty garden +being in the front. The latter had been occupied by Mr. James Busby, +who carried on the business of a wire-worker at the rear. The ground +floor frontages of both had been taken out. A roof had been placed over +the garden, two hideous small-framed bay windows fronted New Street, and +a third faced what is now "Warwick House Passage." The whole place had a +curious "pig-with-one-ear" kind of aspect, the portion which had been +the garden having no upper floors, while the other was three storeys +high. The premises had been "converted" by a now long-forgotten +association, called the "Drapery Company," and as this had not been +successful, Mr. Holliday and his then partner, Mr. Merrett, had become +its successors. It was in 1839 that the first portion of the present +palatial building was erected. + +A few doors from this was the office of _The Birmingham Journal_, a very +different paper then from what it afterwards became. It had been +originally started as a Tory paper by a few old "fogies" who used to +meet at "Joe Lindon's," "The Minerva," in Peck Lane; and this was how it +came about: _The Times_ had, early in 1825, in a leader, held up to +well-deserved ridicule some action on the part of the Birmingham Tory +party. This gave awful and unpardonable offence, and retaliation was +decided upon. Notes were sent to several frequenters of the room that, +on a certain afternoon, important business would be "on" at Lindon's, +and punctual attendance was requested. The room at the appointed time +was full, and the table had been removed from the centre. The ordinarily +clean-scrubbed floor was covered with sheet iron. A chairman was +appointed; and one gentleman was requested to read the obnoxious +article. This over, a well-fed, prosperous-looking, fox-hunting iron +merchant from Great Charles Street rose, and in very shaky grammar +moved, that _The Times_ had disgraced itself and insulted Birmingham, +and that it was the duty of every Birmingham man to stop its circulation +in the town. This having been seconded, and duly carried, another rose +and proposed that in order to mark the indignation of those present, the +copy of the paper containing the offensive leader should be +ignominiously burnt. This, too, was carried; whereupon the iron-dealer +took up the doomed newspaper with a pair of tongs, placed it on the +sheets of iron, and, taking a "spill" between the claws of the tongs, +lighted it at the fire of the room, and ignited the ill-fated paper, +which, amid the groans and hisses of the assembled patriots, burned to +ashes. This ceremony being solemnly concluded, the "business" began. It +was deplored that the "loyal" party was imperfectly represented in the +town. It was considered desirable that the party should have an "organ" +in the town; and it was decided to open a subscription there and then, +to start one. The necessary capital was subscribed, and a committee was +formed to arrange with Mr. William Hodgetts, a printer in Spiceal +Street, for the production of the new paper. Mr. Hodgetts subscribed to +the fund to the extent of £50, and the singularly inappropriate name for +a _weekly_ paper, _The Birmingham Journal_, was selected. The first +number appeared June 4th, 1825. The editor was Professor Bakewell. It +continued in the same hands until June, 1827, when Mr. Hodgetts paid out +the other partners, and became sole proprietor. He enlarged it in 1830, +at which time it was edited by the well-remembered Jonathan Crowther. In +1832 it was sold to the Liberal party. _The Argus_, in its issue for +June, 1832, thus chronicles the fact: + + "THE JOURNAL.--This newspaper is now the property of Parkes, + Scholefield, and Redfern. It was purchased by Parkes in February + last for the sum of two thousand pounds, and was delivered up to him + on the 25th of March last. Poor Jonathan was unceremoniously turned + out of the editorial snuggery into the miserable berth of the + Editor's devil. 'Oh, what a falling off is here, my countrymen!' And + who, think ye, gentle readers, is now Editor of _The Journal_? An + ex-pedagogue, one of the New Hall Hill martyrs, a 'talented' writer + that has been within the walls," &c., &c. + +This seems to point to George Edmonds; but I cannot find any other +evidence that he was ever editor. Be that as it may, Crowther +remained, and the paper was published at the old office in Spiceal +Street as late as May, 1833, when it seems to have been removed to New +Street, and placed under the care of Mr. Douglas. In May of that +year, Mr. Hodgetts published the first number of _The Birmingham +Advertiser_. Meanwhile, Mr. Douglas sat in _The Journal_ office, +in New Street. It was a little room, about 10 ft. by 6 ft., and +the approach was up three or four steps. Here he reigned supreme, +concocted Radical leaders in bad taste and questionable English, and +received advertisements and money. The whole thing was in wretched +plight until about the year 1844, when--Mr. Michael Maher being +editor--Mr. Feeney, who was connected with another paper in the town, +went to London, saw Mr. Joseph Parkes, and arranged to purchase _The +Journal_. Mr. Jaffray soon after came from Shrewsbury to assist in the +management, and with care, industry, and perseverance, it soon grew to +be one of the very best provincial papers in the country. + +The Post Office occupied the site now covered by Lilly and Addinsell's +shop. The New Street frontage was the dwelling house of Mr. Gottwaltz, +the post-master. A little way up Bennetts Hill was a semicircular +cove, or recess, in which two people might stand. Here was a slit, +into which letters were dropped, and an "inquiry" window; and this was +all. There were seven other receiving houses in the town, which were +as follows: Mr. Hewitt, Hagley Row; Mr. E. Gunn, 1, Kenion Street; Mr. +W. Drury, 30, Lancaster Street; Mr. Ash, Prospect Row; Mr. White, +235, Bristol Street; Miss Davis, Sand Pits; and Mrs. Wood, 172, High +Street, Deritend. Two deliveries took place daily--one at 8 a.m., the +other at 5 p.m. The postage of a "single" letter to London then was +ninepence; but a second piece of paper, however small, even the half +of a bank note, made it a "double" letter, the postage of which was +eighteenpence. + +Between Needless Alley and the house now occupied by Messrs. Reece and +Harris, as offices, were three old-fashioned and rather dingy looking +shops, of which I can tell a curious story. Rather more than twenty +years ago, the late Mr. Samuel Haines acquired the lease of these +three houses, which had a few years to run. The freehold belonged +to the Grammar School. Mr. Haines proposed to Messrs. Whateley, the +solicitors for the school, that the old lease should be cancelled; +that they should grant him a fresh one at a greatly increased rental; +and that he should pull down the old places and erect good and +substantial houses on the site. This was agreed to; but when the +details came to be settled, some dispute arose, and the negotiations +were near going off. Mr. Haines, however, one day happened to go +over the original lease--nearly a hundred years old--to see what the +covenants were, and he found that he was bound to deliver up the plot +of land in question to the school, somewhere, I think, about 1860 +to 1865, "well cropped with potatoes." This discovery removed the +difficulty, the lease was granted, and the potato-garden is the site +of the fine pile known as Brunswick Buildings, upon each house of +which Mr. Haines's monogram, "S.H.," appears in an ornamental scroll. + +The Town Hall had been opened three years. The Paradise Street front +was finished, and the two sides were complete for about three-fourths +of their length; but that portion where the double rows of columns +stand, and the pediment fronting Ratcliff Place, had not been built. +The whole of that end was then red brick. Prom the corner of Edmund +Street a row of beggarly houses, standing on a bank some eight feet +above the level of the road, reached to within a few yards of the hall +itself, the space between them and the hall being enclosed by a high +wall. On the other side, the houses in Paradise Street came to within +about the same distance, and the intervening space was carefully +enclosed. The interior of the hall was lighted by some elaborate +bronzed brackets, projecting from the side, between the windows. +They were modelled in imitation of vegetable forms; and at the ends, +curving upwards, small branches stood in a group, like the fingers of +a half-opened human hand. Each of these branchlets was a gas burner, +which was covered by a semi-opaque glass globe, the intent being, +evidently, to suggest a cluster of growing fruits. Some of the same +pattern were placed in the Church of the Saviour when it was first +opened, but they, as well as those at the Town Hall, were in a +few years removed, greatly to the relief of many who thought them +inexpressibly ugly. + +Nearly opposite the Town Hall was a lame attempt to convert an ugly +chapel into a Grecian temple. It was a wretched architectural failure. +It was "The School of Medicine," and, as I know from a personal visit +at the time, contained, even then, a very various and most extensive +collection of anatomical preparations, and other matters connected +with the noble profession to whose use it was dedicated. From the Town +Hall to Easy Row the pathway was three or four feet higher than the +road, and an ugly iron fence was there, to prevent passengers from +tumbling over. On this elevated walk stood the offices of a celebrated +character, "Old"--for I never heard him called by any other name--"Old +Spurrier," the hard, unbending, crafty lawyer, who, being permanently +retained by the Mint to prosecute all coiners in the district, had a +busy time of it, and gained for himself a large fortune and an evil +reputation. + +Bennetts Hill was considered _the_ street of the town, architecturally. +The Norwich Union Office then held aloft the same lady, who, long +neglected, looks now as if her eyes were bandaged to hide the tears +which she is shedding over her broken scales. The Bank of England has +not been altered, though at that time it was occupied by a private +company. Where the Inland Revenue Offices now stand, was a stone barn, +which was called a news-room. It was a desolate-looking place, inside +and out, and it was a mercy when it was pulled down. At the right-hand +corner, at the top, where Harrison's music shop now stands, there was, +in a large open court-yard, a square old brick mansion, having a brick +portico. A walled garden belonging to this house, ran down Bennetts +Hill, nearly to Waterloo Street, and an old brick summer-house, which +stood in the angle, was then occupied by Messrs. Whateley as offices, +and afterwards by Mr. Nathaniel Lea, the sharebroker. At the corner of +Temple Row West was a draper's shop, carried on by two brothers--William +and John Boulton. The brothers fell out, and dissolved partnership. +William took Mr. R.W. Gem's house and offices in New Street, and +converted them into the shop now occupied by Messrs. Dew; stocked it; +married a lady at Harborne; started off to Leamington on his wedding +tour; was taken ill in the carriage on the way; was carried to bed at +the hotel at Leamington, and died the same evening. His brother took to +the New Street shop; closed the one in Temple Row; made his fortune; and +died a few years ago--a bachelor--at Solihull. + +The present iron railings of St. Philip's Churchyard had not then been +erected. There was a low fence, and pleasant avenues of trees skirted +the fence on the sides next Colmore Row and Temple Row. I used to like +to walk here in the quiet of evening, and I loved to listen to the +bells in St. Philip's Church as they chimed out every three hours the +merry air, "Life let us Cherish." + +A few weeks before my arrival, a general election, consequent upon the +dissolution of Parliament by the death of the King, took place. The +Tory party in Birmingham had been indiscreet enough to contest the +borough. They selected a very unlikely man to succeed--Mr. A.G. +Stapleton--and they failed utterly, the Liberals polling more than two +to one. The Conservatives had their head-quarters at the Royal Hotel +in Temple Row. Crowds of excited people surrounded the hotel day +by day and evening after evening. One night something unusual had +exasperated them, and they attacked the hotel. There were no police +in Birmingham then, and the mob had things pretty much their own way. +Showers of heavy stones soon smashed the windows to atoms, and so +damaged the building as to make it necessary to erect a scaffold +covering the whole frontage before the necessary repairs could be +completed. When I first saw it, it was in a wretched plight, and it +took many weeks to repair the damage done by the rioters. The portico +now standing in front of the building--which is now used as the Eye +Hospital--was built at this time, the doorway up to then not having +that protection. + +From this point, going towards Bull Street, the roadway suddenly +narrowed to the same width as The Minories. Where the extensive +warehouses of Messrs. Wilkinson and Riddell now stand, but projecting +some twelve or fifteen feet beyond the present line of frontage, were +the stables and yard of the hotel. On the spot where their busy clerks +now pore over huge ledgers and journals, ostlers were then to be seen +grooming horses, and accompanying their work with the peculiar hissing +sound without which it appears that operation cannot be carried +on. Mr. Small wood occupied the shop at the corner, and his parlour +windows, on the ground floor, looked upon Bull Street, the window +sills being gay with flowers. It was a very different shop to the +splendid ones which has succeeded it, which Wilkinson and Riddell have +just secured to add to their retail premises. + +The Old Square had, shortly before, been denuded of a pleasant garden +in the centre, the roads up to that time having passed round, in front +of the houses. The Workhouse stood on the left, about half way down +Lichfield Street. It was a quaint pile of building, probably then +about 150 years old. There was a large quadrangle, three sides of +which were occupied by low two-storey buildings, and the fourth by a +high brick wall next the street. This wall was pierced in the centre +by an arch, within which hung a strong door, having an iron grating, +through which the porter inside could inspect coming visitors. From +this door a flagged footway crossed the quadrangle to the principal +front, which was surmounted by an old-fashioned clock-turret. Although +I was never an inmate of the establishment, I have reason to believe +that other quadrangles and other buildings were in the rear. The +portion vouchsafed to public inspection was mean in architectural +style, and apparently very inadequate in size. From this point I do +not remember anything worthy of note until Aston Park was reached, in +the Aston Road. The park was then entire, and was completely enclosed +by a high wall, similar in character to the portion remaining in the +Witton Road which forms the boundary of the "Lower Grounds." The Hall +was occupied by the second James Watt, son of the great engineer. +He had not much engineering skill, but was a man of considerable +attainments, literary and philosophical. His huge frame might be +seen two or three times a week in the shop of Mr. Wrightson, the +bookseller, in New Street. He was on very intimate terms of friendship +with Lord Brougham, who frequently visited him at Aston. The favourite +seat of the two friends was in the temple-like summer-house, near the +large pool in Mr. Quilter's pleasant grounds. The village of Aston was +as country-like as if located twenty miles from a large town. Perry +Barr was a _terra incognita_ to most Birmingham people. Erdington, +then universally called "Yarnton," was little known, and Sutton +Coldfield was a far-off pleasant spot for pic-nics; but, to the bulk +of Birmingham people, as much unknown as if it had been in the New +Forest of Hampshire. + +Broad Street was skirted on both sides by private houses, each with +its garden in front. Bingley House, where the Prince of Wales Theatre +now stands, was occupied by Mr. Lloyd, the banker, and the fine trees +of his park overhung the wall. None of the churches now standing in +Broad Street were at that time built. The first shop opened at the +Islington end of the street, was a draper's, just beyond Ryland +Street. This was started by a man who travelled for Mr. Dakin, the +grocer, and I remember he was thought to be mad for opening such a +shop in so outlandish a place. The business is still carried on by +Mr. D. Chapman. Rice Harris then lived in the house which is now the +centre of the Children's Hospital, and the big ugly "cones" of his +glass factory at the back belched forth continuous clouds of black +smoke. Beyond the Five Ways there were no street lamps. The Hagley +Road had a few houses dotted here and there, and had, at no distant +time, been altered in direction, the line of road from near the +present Francis Road to the Highfield Road having at one time curved +very considerably to the left, as anyone may see by noticing the +position of the frontage of the old houses on that side. All along +the straightened part there was on the left a wide open ditch, filled, +generally, with dirty water, across which brick arches carried roads +to the private dwellings. "The Plough and Harrow" was an old-fashioned +roadside public-house. Chad House, the present residence, I believe, +of Mr. Hawkins, had been a public-house too, and a portion of the +original building was preserved and incorporated with the new portion +when the present house was built. Beyond this spot, with the exception +of Hazelwood House, where the father of Rowland Hill, the postal +reformer, kept his school, and some half-dozen red brick houses on the +right, all was open country. Calthorpe Street was pretty well filled +with buildings. St. George's Church was about half built. Frederick +Street and George Street--for they were not "Roads" then--were being +gradually filled up. There were some houses in the Church Road and at +Wheeleys Hill, but the greater portion of Edgbaston was agricultural +land. + +The south side of Ladywood Lane, being in Edgbaston parish, was pretty +well built upon, owing to its being the nearest land to the centre +of the town not burdened with town rating. There was a very large and +lumbering old mansion on the left, near where Lench's Alms-houses now +stand. Mr. R.W. Winfield lived at the red brick house between what are +now the Francis and the Beaufort Roads. Nearly opposite his house was +a carriage gateway opening upon an avenue of noble elms, at the end of +which was Ladywood House, standing in a park. This, and the adjoining +cottage, were the only houses upon the populous district now known +as Ladywood. At the right-hand corner of the Reservoir "Lane" was +the park and residence of Mr. William Chance. Further to the east, in +Icknield Street, near the canal bridge--which at that time was an iron +one, narrow and very dangerous--was another mansion and park, occupied +by Mr. John Unett, Jun. This house is now occupied as a bedstead +manufactory. Still further was another very large house, where Mr. +Barker, the solicitor, lived. Further on again, the "General" Cemetery +looked much the same as now, except that the trees were smaller, and +there were not so many monuments. + +Soho Park, from Hockley Bridge, for about a mile on the road to West +Bromwich, was entirely walled in. The old factory built by Boulton and +Watt was still in operation. I saw there at work the original engine +which was put up by James Watt. It had a massive oak beam, and it +seemed strange to me that it did not communicate its power direct, but +was employed in pumping water from the brook that flowed hard by, to +a reservoir on higher ground. From this reservoir the water, as it +descended, turned a water-wheel, which moved all the machinery in the +place. It is not, perhaps, generally known that the same machine +which was employed here in 1797 in making the old broad-rimmed copper +pennies of George the Third is still at work at Messrs. Heaton's, +coining the bronze money which has superseded the clumsy "coppers" of +our forefathers. + +Coming towards the town, from Hockley Bridge to the corner of Livery +Street, many of the houses had a pretty bit of garden in front, and +the houses were mostly inhabited by jewellers. It was in this street +that I first noticed a peculiarity in tradesmen's signboards, which +then was general through the town, and had a very curious appearance +to a stranger. Few of the occupiers' names were painted on the +_faciæ_ of the shop windows, but in almost every case a bordered +wooden frame, following the outline of the window, was fixed above +it. Each of these frames stood upon three or four wooden spheres, +generally about the size of a cricket ball, and they were surmounted +by wooden acorns or ornaments. The boards were all black, and the +lettering invariably gilt, as were also the balls and the acorns. +This, however strange, was not inconsistent; but there were hundreds +of frames in the town stretched across the fronts of houses, and fixed +to the walls by iron spikes. Every one of these signboards, although +altogether unnecessary for its support, had three gilt balls +underneath. There was another peculiarity: the capital letter C was +invariably made with two "serifs"--thus, C--and for a long time I +invariably read them as G's. + +Coming up Livery Street, which then was filled on both sides of +its entire length by buildings, it was pointed out to me that the +warehouse now occupied by Messrs. T. Barnes and Co. was built for a +show-room and warehouse by Boulton and Watt, and here their smaller +wares had been on view. Where Messrs. Billing's extensive buildings +now stand, was an old chapel, built, I believe, by a congregation +which ultimately removed to the large chapel in Steelhouse Lane. It +was used as a place of worship until about 1848, when Mr. Billing +bought it, pulled it down, and utilised its site for his business. The +whole area of the Great Western Railway Station was then covered with +buildings, and one, if not more, small streets ran through to Snow +Hill. Monmouth Street was very narrow. Where the Arcade now is, +was the Quakers' burial ground. Opposite was the warehouse of Mr. +Thornley, the druggist, who had a small and mean-looking shop at the +corner, fronting Snow Hill. At the opposite corner was a shaky-looking +stuccoed house, used as a draper's shop, the entrance being up three +or four steps from Steelhouse Lane. + +Mr. George Richmond Collis had recently succeeded to the business, at +the top of Church Street, of Sir Edward Thomason, who was dead. It was +then _the_ show manufactory of Birmingham. The buildings--pulled down +seven or eight years ago--were at that time a smart-looking affair; +the parapet was adorned with a number of large statues. Atlas was +there, bending under the weight of two or three hundred pounds of +Portland cement. Hercules brandished a heavy club, on which pigeons +often settled. A copy of the celebrated group of the "Horses of St. +Mark" was over the entrance. Several branches of Birmingham work +were exhibited to visitors, and it was here I first saw stamping, +cutting-out, press-work, and coining. + +There were then I think only ten churches in Birmingham. Bishop +Ryder's was being built. The Rev. I.C. Barrett had just come from +Hull to assume the incumbency of St. Mary's; the announcement of his +presentation to the living appeared in _Aris's Gazette_, October +8th, 1837. I was one of his first hearers. The church had been +comparatively deserted until he came, but it was soon filled to +overflowing with an attentive congregation. There was an earnest tone +and a poetical grace in his sermons which were fresh to Birmingham in +those days. His voice was good, and his pale, thoughtful, intelligent +face was very striking. He was a fascinating preacher, and he became +the most popular minister in the town. The church was soon found to +be too small for the crowds who wished to hear, and alterations of an +extensive nature were made to give greater accommodation. Mr. Barrett +had then the peculiarity in his manner of sounding certain vowels, +which he still retains--always pronouncing the word "turn," for +instance, as if it were written "tarn." I remember hearing him once +preach from the text, 1 _Cor._, iii., 23, which he announced as +follows: "The farst book of _Corinthians_, the thard chaptar, and the +twenty-thard varse." Although still hale, active, and comparatively +young-looking, he is by far the oldest incumbent in Birmingham, having +held the living nearly forty years. + +St. George's Church then looked comparatively clean and new. A curious +incident occurred here in May, 1833, an account of which I had from +the lips of a son of the then churchwarden. Birmingham was visited +by a very severe epidemic of influenza, which was so general that few +households escaped. Nor was the epidemic confined to mankind; horses +were attacked, and the proprietor of "The Hen and Chickens" lost by +death sixteen horses in one day. So many of the clergy and ministers +were ill, that some of the places of worship had to be closed for a +time. St. George's, which had a rector and two curates, was kept open, +although all its clergy were on the sick list. It was feared, however, +that on one particular Sunday it would have to be closed. Application +had been made to clergymen at a distance, but all, dreading infection, +were afraid to come to the town, so that aid from outside could not +be had. A consultation was held, and one of the curates, although weak +and ill, undertook to conduct the devotional part of the service, but +felt unable to preach. An announcement to be read by the "clerk" was +written out by the rector, and was, no doubt, properly punctuated. At +the close of the prayers, the next morning, the clerk arose, paper +in hand, and proceeded to read as follows, without break, pause, or +change of tone: "I am desired to give notice that in consequence of +the illness of the whole of the clergymen attached to this church +there will be no sermon here this morning 'Praise God from whom all +blessings flow.'" + +John Angell James was then at the head of the Nonconformists of the +town, and was in the prime of his intellectual powers. He was very +popular as a preacher, and the chapel in Carrs Lane was always well +filled. Mr. Wm. Beaumont, the bank manager, acted as precentor, +reading aloud the words of the hymns to be sung and the notices +of coming religious events. Mr. James had a powerful voice and an +impressive manner, and occasionally was very eloquent. I remember a +passage, which struck me at the time as being very forcible. He +was deprecating the influence which the works of Byron had upon the +youthful mind, and, speaking of the poet, said: "He wrote as with +the pen of an archangel, dipped in the lava which issues from the +bottomless pit." Mr. James was not a classical scholar; indeed, he had +only received a very moderate amount of instruction. He was intended +by his parents for a tradesman, and in fact was apprenticed to +a draper at Poole. I believe, however, that the indentures were +cancelled, for he became a preacher before he was twenty years of +age. For myself, I always thought him an over-rated man. There was +a narrowness of mind; there was a want of sympathy with the works of +great poets and artists; and there was an intense hatred of the drama. +There was, too, a dogmatic, egotistic manner, which led him always +to enunciate his own thoughts as if they were absolutely true and +incontrovertible. He was not a man to doubt or hesitate; he did not +say "It may be," or "It is probable," but always "It is." He was a +good pastor, however. During his long and useful ministerial career of +more than half a century, he had but one fold and one flock. He was +a firm disciplinarian; was somewhat of a clerical martinet; but his +people liked him, and were cheerfully obedient; and he descended to +the grave full of abundant honour. + +Timothy East, of Steelhouse Lane Chapel, was a man of far greater +mental capacity and culture. His sermons were clear, logical, +conclusive, and earnest. It is not generally known that he was a +voluminous writer. He was a frequent contributor to some of the best +periodicals of his time. He wrote and published, under the titles, +first of "The Evangelical Rambler," and afterwards of "The Evangelical +Spectator," a series of exceedingly well-written essays, the style of +which will compare favourably with that of the great standard works +of a century before, whose titles he had appropriated. His son, +the present Mr. Alfred Baldwin East, inherits a large share of his +father's literary ability. Those who had the pleasure, a few years +ago, to hear him read his manuscript of "The Life and Times of Oliver +Cromwell," had a rare intellectual treat. Some of its passages are +worthy of Macaulay. I wish he would publish it. + +Of the newspapers of that time, only two survive, at least in +name--_Aris's Gazette_ and _The Midland Counties Herald_. The latter +had just been started. For a short time it was called _The Birmingham +Herald_, but this was soon altered to its present title. It was +published on the premises now occupied as Nock's refreshment bar, +in Union Passage. It had four pages then, as now, but the paper +altogether was not much larger than the coloured cover of _The +Graphic. The Journal_, although its name is lost, still lives and +thrives as _The Weekly Post_. The two others are defunct long ago. +One, _The Philanthropist_, was published in Bull Street by Mr. Hudson; +the other was _The Birmingham Advertiser_, which, on the purchase +of _The Journal_ by the Liberals, had been started in 1833 by Mr. +Hodgetts, in the Tory interest. It was edited by Mr. Thomas Ragg. It +ceased to be published in 1846. + +The Grand Junction Railway, from Birmingham to Liverpool and +Manchester, was opened July 4th, in the year I am writing of (1837), +and on this line, in October of that year, I had my first railway +trip. The "Birmingham terminus" of those days is now the goods station +at Vauxhall, and it was here that I went to "book my place" for +Wolverhampton. I entered a moderate-sized room, shabbily fitted with a +few shelves and a deal counter, like a shop. Upon this counter, spread +out, were a number of large open books, the pages of each being +of different colour to the others. Each page contained a number +of printed forms, with blank spaces to be filled up in writing. +On applying to the clerk in attendance, I had to give my name and +address, which he wrote in two places on the blue page of one of the +books; he then took the money, tore out a ticket, some four inches by +three, and left a counterpart in the book. I was then shown to my +seat in the train, and on inspecting at my leisure the document I was +favoured with, I found that in consideration of a sum of money +therein mentioned, and in consideration further of my having impliedly +undertaken to comply with certain rules and regulations, the company +granted me a pass in a first-class carriage to Wolverhampton. I +returned to Birmingham by omnibus after dark the same evening, +and passing through the heart of the Black Country, made my first +acquaintance with that dingy region--its lurid light, its flashing +tongues of intercessant flame, and its clouds of stifling, sulphurous +smoke. + +Such, rapidly sketched, were my impressions of the place which was +destined to become my future home. It is very different now. From +the large and populous, but ugly town of those days, it is rapidly +becoming as handsome as any town in England. Situated as it is, +locally, almost in the centre of the country, it is also a great +centre commercially, artistically, politically, and intellectually. +From the primitive town of that time, governed by constables and +bailiffs, it has become a vast metropolis, and may fairly boast of +having the most energetic, far-seeing, and intelligent Municipal +Council in the kingdom. Its voice is listened to respectfully in the +Senate. Its merchants are known and honoured in every country in +the world. Its manufactured products are necessities to nearly every +member of the vast human race; and it seems destined, at its present +rate of progress, to become, before many years, the second city of the +Empire. + + + + +THE BULL RING RIOTS, 1839. + + +On Sunday, the 14th of July, in the year 1839, I left Euston Square +by the night mail train. I had taken a ticket for Coventry, where I +intended to commence a business journey of a month's duration. It +was a hot and sultry night, and I was very glad when we arrived at +Wolverton, where we had to wait ten minutes while the engine was +changed. An enterprising person who owned a small plot of land +adjoining the station, had erected thereon a small wooden hut, where, +in winter time, he dispensed to shivering passengers hot elderberry +wine and slips of toast, and in summer, tea, coffee, and genuine +old-fashioned fermented ginger-beer. It was the only "refreshment +room" upon the line, and people used to crowd his little shanty, +clamouring loudly for supplies. He soon became the most popular man +between London and Birmingham. + +Railway travelling then was in a very primitive condition. Except at +the _termini_ there were no platforms. Passengers had to clamber from +the level of the rails by means of iron steps, to their seats. The +roof of each of the coaches, as they were then called, was surrounded +by an iron fence or parapet, to prevent luggage from slipping off. +Each passenger's personal effects travelled on the roof of the coach +in which he sat, and the guard occupied an outside seat at one end. +First-class carriages were built upon the model of the "inside" of the +old stage coaches. They were so low that even a short man could not +stand upright. The seats were divided by arms, as now, and the floor +was covered afresh for each journey with clean straw. The second-class +coaches were simply execrable. They were roofed over, certainly; +but, except a half-door and a low fencing, to prevent passengers from +falling out, the sides were utterly unprotected from the weather. As +the trains swept rapidly through the country--particularly in cuttings +or on high embankments--the wind, even in the finest weather, drove +through, "enough to cut your ear off." When the weather was wet, or it +was snowing, it was truly horrible, and, according to the testimony +of medical men, was the primary cause of many deaths. There were no +"buffers" to break the force of the concussion of two carriages in +contact. When the train was about to start, the guard used to cry out +along the train, "Hold hard! we're going to start," and 'twas well he +did, for sometimes, if unprepared, you might find your nose brought +into collision with that of your opposite neighbour, accompanied by +some painful sensations in that important part of your profile. + +I arrived at Coventry station at midnight. A solitary porter with +a lantern was in attendance. There was no lamp about the place. The +guard clambered to the roof of the carriage in which I had travelled, +and the porter brought a long board, having raised edges, down which +my luggage came sliding to the ground. The train passed on, and I made +inquiry for some vehicle to convey me to "The Craven Arms," half a +mile away. None were in attendance, nor was there any one who would +carry my "traps." I had about a hundred-weight of patterns, besides my +portmanteau. I "might leave my patterns in his room," the porter said, +and I "had better carry my 'things' myself." There was no help for it, +so, shouldering the portmanteau, I carried it up a narrow brick stair +to the roadway. The "station" then consisted of the small house by the +side of the bridge which crosses the railway, and the only means of +entrance or exit to the line was by this steep stair, which was about +three feet wide. The "booking office" was on the level of the road, by +the side of the bridge, where Tennyson + + "Hung with grooms and porters," + +while he + + "Waited for the train at Coventry." + +Carrying a heavy portmanteau half a mile on a hot night, when you are +tired, is not a pleasant job. When I arrived, hot and thirsty, at the +inn, I looked upon the night porter as my best friend, when, after +a little parley, he was able to get me a little something, "out of +a bottle o' my own, you know, sir," with which I endeavoured, +successfully, to repair the waste of tissue. + +The next day, having finished my work in Coventry, I started in a +hired conveyance for Coleshill, and a pleasant drive of an hour and +a half brought me to the door of "The Swan" in that quaint and quiet +little town. The people of the house were very busy preparing for a +public dinner that was to come off on the following day, and as the +house was noisy, from the preparations, I took a quiet walk in the +churchyard, little recking then, as I strolled in the solemn silence +of the golden-tinted twilight, that, only ten miles from where +I stood, at that moment, a crowd of furious men, with passions +unbridled, and blood hot with diabolic hate, held at their mercy, +undisturbed, the lives and property of the citizens of an important +town; that several houses, fired by incendiary hands, were roaring +like furnaces, and lighting with a lurid glare the overhanging sky; +that women by hundreds were shrieking with terror, and brave men were +standing aghast and appalled; that two of my own brothers and some +valued friends were in deadly peril, and that one at that very instant +was fighting for very life. It was the night of the great Bull Ring +riots of 1839. + +When I arose the next morning I saw a man on horseback come rapidly to +the house, his features wild with excitement, and his face pale with +terror. His horse was covered with foam, and trembled violently. From +the man's quivering lips I learned, by degrees, an incoherent story, +which accounted for His strange demeanour. He was a servant at the +inn, and had been to Birmingham that morning, early, to fetch from +Mr. Keirle's shop, in Bull Street, a salmon for the coming dinner. +On arriving at the town, he had been stopped at a barrier by some +dragoons, who told him that he could go no further. Upon the poor +fellow telling how urgent was his errand, and what a heavy blow it +would be to society if the dinner at "The Swan" should be short of +fish, he was allowed to pass, but was escorted by a dragoon, with +drawn sword, to the shop. Here having obtained what he sought, he was +duly marched back to the barrier and set at liberty, upon which he +started off in mortal terror, and galloped all the way home, to tell +us with tremulous tongue that Birmingham was all on fire, and that +hundreds of people had been killed by the soldiers. + +A small group had gathered round him in the yard to listen to his +incoherent, and, happily, exaggerated story. In a minute or two the +landlady, who had in some remote part of the premises heard a word or +two of the news the man had brought, came rushing out in a state of +frantic terror, prepared evidently for the worst; but when she heard +that James _had_ brought the salmon, her face assumed an air of +satisfaction, and with a pious "Thank God! that's all right," she +turned away; her mind tranquil, contented, and at perfect ease. + +After the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832, there was a political +lull in England for a few years. The middle classes, being satisfied +with the success they had achieved for themselves, did not trouble +themselves very much for the extension of the franchise to the working +classes. So long as trade remained good, and wages were easily earned, +the masses remained quiet; but the disastrous panic of 1837 altered +the aspect of affairs. Trade was very much depressed. A series of bad +harvests having occurred, and the Corn Laws not having been repealed, +bread became dear, and so aggravated the sufferings of the people. +Wages fell; manufactories in many places were entirely closed, and +work became scarce. Naturally enough, the working men attributed their +sufferings to their want of direct political influence, and began +to clamour for the franchise. Feargus O'Connor, a violent demagogue, +fanned the flame, and the excitement became general. In the year 1838 +some half-dozen Members of Parliament united with an equal number of +working men in conference, and drew up a document, known afterwards +as "The People's Charter," which embodied what they considered the +rightful demands of the working class. It had six distinct claims, +which were called the "points" of the charter, and were as follows: 1. +Universal suffrage. 2. Vote by ballot. 3. Equal electoral districts. +4. Annual Parliaments. 5. Abolition of property qualification for +Members of Parliament. 6. Payment of Members. This programme, when +promulgated, was enthusiastically received throughout the country, +immense meetings being held in various places in its support. In +Birmingham, meetings were held every Monday evening on Holloway Head, +then an open space. On the 13th of August, 1838, there was a "monster +demonstration" here, and it was computed that 100,000 persons were +present. A petition in favour of the charter was adopted, and in a +few days received nearly 95,000 signatures. The former political +leaders--G.F. Muntz, George Edmonds, and Clutton Salt--became all at +once exceedingly unpopular, as they declined to join in the agitation. +Torchlight meetings were held almost nightly in various parts of the +country, and a Government proclamation was issued prohibiting them. +Some of the leaders of the movement were arrested. There was evidently +some central organisation at work, for a curious system of annoyance +was simultaneously adopted. In all parts of the country the Chartists, +in large and well-organised bodies, went, Sunday after Sunday, as soon +as the doors were opened, and took possession of all the seats in the +churches, thus shutting out the regular congregations. I was present +at a proceeding of this kind at Cheltenham. I was staying at "The +Fleece," and on a Saturday evening was told by the landlord that if I +wished to go to church the following morning, I had better be early, +as the Chartists were expected there, and the hotel pew might be full. +Dr. Close, the present Dean of Carlisle, was then the rector, and +was a very popular preacher. I had long wished to hear him, and +accordingly went to the church, with some other hotel guests. Soon +after the bells had begun to chime, several hundreds of men filed in +and took possession of every vacant seat and space. The aisles were so +occupied that no one could pass, and there were probably not thirty of +the regular worshippers there. There was not a female in the church. +The men were very quiet, orderly, and well-behaved, and joined in the +responses in a proper manner. The prayers over, Mr. Close ascended +the pulpit, and took for a text, 1 _Sam._ xii., 23: "God forbid that +I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will +teach you the good and the right way." The eloquent rector was quite +equal to the occasion; he gave them a thoroughly good dressing, and +his extempore sermon lasted for two hours and a half! I watched, +during the sermon, the impatient glances of some of the men; but +they stayed the sermon out, and went away, hungrier certainly, if not +wiser, than when they came. + +All through the winter of 1838 there was much excitement in the +country. Many meetings were held, at which Feargus O'Connor distinctly +advised his hearers that they had a legitimate right to resort to +force to obtain their demands. Birmingham, however, remained tolerably +quiet until the beginning of April, 1839. On the 1st of that month, +and again on the 3rd, large meetings were held, at which Feargus +O'Connor, a Dr. John Taylor, "delegates" named Bassey, Donaldson, and +Brown, made violent and inflammatory speeches. Meetings more or less +numerously attended were held almost nightly. Upon the representation +of the shopkeepers that their business was greatly hindered, the Mayor +and magistrates, on the 10th of May, issued a notice forbidding the +holding of the meetings. Of the twelve gentlemen whose signatures were +attached to this notice, only two survive--Dr. Birt Davies and Mr. +P.H. Muntz. + +On the 13th of May, a number of delegates from various parts of the +country, calling themselves "The National Convention," assembled +in Birmingham. Their avowed object was to frighten Parliament into +submission to their demands. They recommended a run for gold upon +the savings banks, an entire abstinence from excisable articles, and +universal cessation from work. Their proceedings at this conference +added fuel to the fire, and the people became more audacious. Threats +were now openly uttered nightly, and people began to be alarmed, +particularly as it was rumoured that a general rising in the Black +Country had been arranged for a certain day. Hundreds of pikes, it +was said, were already forged, and specimens were freely exhibited of +formidable weapons known to military men by the name of "Caltrop" or +"Calthorp," intended to impede the passage of cavalry. They consisted +of four spikes of pointed iron, about four inches long, radiating from +a common centre in such a manner that, however thrown, one spike would +be uppermost. Like the three-legged symbol of the Isle of Man, their +motto might be "_Quoqunque jeceris stabit_." There was a perfect reign +of terror, and people were afraid to venture out after nightfall. On +Friday, the 29th of June, the Mayor, Mr. William Scholefield, met +the mob, and in a short and friendly speech tried to induce them to +disperse, promising them, if they would refrain from meeting in the +streets, they should have the use of the Town Hall once a week for +their meetings. This proposal was received with shouts of derision, +and the mob, by this time greatly increased in numbers, marched +noisily through New Street, Colmore Bow, Bull Street, and High Street, +to the Bull Ring. On the following Monday, July 1st, there was a large +crowd in the Bull Ring, where Mr. Feargus O'Connor addressed them, +and advised an adjournment to Gosta Green, to which place they +accordingly marched, and O'Connor made a violent speech. In the +meantime the troops were ordered out, and a large body of pensioners, +fully armed, were marched into the Bull Ring. Finding no one there, +the Mayor ordered the troops back to the barracks, and the pensioners +were dismissed. After the meeting at Gosta Green was over, the people +marched with tremendous cheering back to the Bull Ring. They met +again on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, but no mischief, beyond a few +broken windows, was done. On Thursday evening, about eight o'clock, +the mob was in great force in the accustomed spot, with flags, +banners, and other insignia freely displayed. Suddenly, without a word +of notice, a large body of London police, which had just arrived by +train, came out of Moor Street and rushed directly at the mob. +They were met by groans and threats, and a terrible fight at once +commenced. The police with their staves fought their way to the +standard bearers and demolished the flags; others laid on, right +and left, with great fury. In a short time the Bull Ring was nearly +cleared, but the people rallied, and, arming themselves with +various improvised weapons, returned to the attack. The police were +outnumbered, surrounded, and rendered powerless. Some were stoned, +others knocked down and frightfully kicked; some were beaten badly +about the head, and some were stabbed. No doubt many of them would +have been killed, but just at this time Dr. Booth, a magistrate, +arrived on the spot, accompanied by a troop of the 4th Dragoons, and a +company of the Rifle Brigade. The Riot Act was read, and the military +occupied the Bull Ring. The wounded police were rescued and carried +to the Public Office, where Mr. Richards and some other surgeons were +soon in attendance, and dressed their wounds. Seven had to be taken to +the hospital. One was found to have been stabbed in the abdomen, and +another in the groin, in a most dangerous manner. The troops, and such +of the police as were able, continued to patrol the Bull Ring, and +they succeeded in arresting about a dozen of the rioters, who were +found to be armed with deadly weapons, and their pockets filled +with large stones. The mob continued to increase until about eleven +o'clock, when they suddenly started off for Holloway Head, where they +pulled down about twenty yards of the railing of St. Thomas's Church, +arming themselves with the iron bars. They then proceeded to "The +Golden Lion," in Aston Street, where the "convention" held its +meetings. Dr. Taylor addressed them, and upon his advice they +separated and went home. Taylor was arrested at his lodgings the same +night, and was brought before the magistrates about one o'clock in the +morning, when he was ordered to find bail, himself in £500, and two +sureties of £250 each. + +On the following morning, by nine o'clock, the rioters again met at +Holloway Head. Mr. Alston, with a body of Dragoons, immediately went +there, and the Riot Act was again read. The mob did not disperse; the +soldiers charged them, and one fellow was felled to the ground by a +sabre cut on the head from one of the soldiers. During the whole of +this day the shops in High Street and the Bull Ring remained entirely +closed. The magistrates and military patrolled the town, and were +pelted with stones, but nothing very serious occurred, and for a few +days afterwards the town was comparatively quiet. + +On Friday, the 12th of July, the House of Commons was asked by Mr. +Thomas Attwood to take into consideration the prayer of a monster +petition, which, on behalf of the Chartists, he had presented on June +14th. This petition asked the House, in not very respectful terms, to +pass an Act, whereby the six points of the Charter might become law. +It was signed by 1,280,000 persons. A long debate ensued, and Mr. +Attwood's proposition was negatived. + +When the news arrived, on Saturday, the Chartists were furious, and a +large and noisy meeting was held at Holloway Head in the evening, but +no active disturbance took place either on that or the following day. + +On Monday, the 15th, some of the leaders who had been arrested were +brought before the magistrates at the Public Office. A Carlisle man, +named Harvey, and two others named Lovett and Collins, were committed +for trial by a very full Bench, there having been present the Mayor, +Messrs. Thomas Clark, W. Chance, C. Shaw, P.H. Muntz, S. Beale, and +J. Walker. The crowd, which had assembled in Moor Street and the Bull +Ring, upon hearing the result, quietly dispersed, and for a few +hours the town appeared to be in a perfectly tranquil condition. The +soldiers retired to the barracks; the police remained at the Public +Office, with instructions from the magistrates not to act without +direct magisterial orders. The Mayor went to dinner, and the +magistrates, without exception, left the Public Office, and went home. + +Unfortunately, this was only the lull before the coming storm, for +that night was such as few can remember now without a shudder. + +About two hours after the magistrates had left the Public Office, the +Bull Ring was very full, but nearly all who were there seemed present +from motives of curiosity only. They were so orderly that no attempt +was made to disperse them. The crowd became so dense that the shops +were closed in apprehension that the windows might be accidentally +broken by the pressure. About eight o'clock, however, a cry was +raised, and an organised gang, many hundreds in number, armed with +bludgeons, bars of iron, and other formidable weapons, came marching +up Digbeth. They turned down Moor Street, and without any parley, made +an attack upon the Public Office, demolishing in a few seconds every +window in the front of the building. There was a strong body of police +inside, but they were powerless, for they had received definite orders +not to interfere without fresh magisterial directions, and all the +magistrates had left. The mob soon started back towards the Bull Ring, +where they fell upon a respectable solicitor named Bond, who happened +to be passing, and him they nearly killed. He was removed in +an insensible and very dangerous condition to the George Hotel. +Meanwhile, an attack was made with iron bars, used battering-ram +fashion, upon the doors of many of the shops, the rioters "prodding" +them with all their might. Messrs. Bourne's shop, at the corner of +Moor Street, was the first to give way, and the men quickly gained +admittance. A large number of loaves of sugar were piled near the +windows, and these were passed rapidly into the street. There, being +dashed violently to the ground, and broken to pieces, they formed +dangerous missiles, with which the crowd soon demolished all the +windows within reach. As the crowd of rioters increased, their weapons +became too few, and the iron railings of St. Martin's Church were +pulled down. With these very dangerous instruments they wrenched from +Nelson's monument the massive bars of iron which surrounded it. These +being long, and of great strength, proved to be formidable levers, +with which to force doors and shutters. In a short time the entire +area of the Bull Ring was filled with a mob of yelling demons, whose +shouts and cries, mixed with the sounds of crashing timber, and the +sharp rattle of breaking glass, made a hideous din. It was getting +dark, and a cry was raised for a bonfire to give light. In a few +moments the shop of Mr. Leggatt, an upholsterer, was broken open, and +his stock of bedding, chairs, tables, and other valuable furniture was +brought into the roadway, broken up, and fired, amid the cheers of the +excited people. One man, more adventurous than the rest, deliberately +carried a flaming brand into the shop and set the premises on fire. +The sight of the flames seemed to rouse the mob to ungovernable fury. +Snatching burning wood from the fire, they hurled it through the +broken, windows in all directions. Rushing in to Bourne's shop, +they rolled out tea canisters by dozens, which they emptied into the +gutters, and then smashed to pieces. They then deliberately collected +the shop paper around a pile of tea chests, and fired it, the shop +soon filling with flames. The mob, now vastly increased in numbers, +broke up into separate parties, one of which, with great violence, +attacked the premises of Mr. Arnold, a pork butcher. He, however, with +prudent forethought, had collected his workmen in the shop and armed +them with heavy cleavers and other formidable implements of his trade, +and so defended he kept the mob at bay, and eventually repulsed them. +The shop of Mr. Martin, a jeweller, whose window was filled with +watches, rings, and other costly articles, had its front completely +battered in, and the valuable stock literally scattered in the road +and scrambled for. Mr. Morris Banks, the druggist, had his stock of +bottles of drugs smashed to atoms. A curious circumstance saved these +premises from being set on fire. The mob had collected combustibles +for the purpose, but in breaking indiscriminately the bottles in the +shop, they had inadvertently smashed some containing a quantity of +very powerful acids. These, escaping and mixing with other drugs, +caused such a suffocating vapour that the miscreants were driven from +the shop half choked. Other tradesmen whose places were badly damaged +were Mr. Arthur Dakin, grocer; Mr. Savage, cheesemonger; Mrs. +Brinton, pork butcher; Mr. Allen, baker; Mr. Heath, cheesemonger; Mr. +Scudamore, druggist; and Mr. Horton, silversmith. Mr. Gooden, of +the Nelson Hotel, which then stood upon the site of the present Fish +Market, was a great sufferer, the whole of the windows of the hotel +being smashed in, and some costly mirrors and other valuable furniture +completely destroyed. The large premises of William Dakin and Co.--now +occupied by Innes, Smith, and Co., but then a grocer's shop--were +hotly besieged for nearly half an hour, but were, as will be fully +described a little further on, most bravely and successfully +defended. At nine o'clock many of the shops were on fire, and heaps +of combustibles from others were thrown upon the blazing pile in the +streets. The shops were freely entered and robbed. Women and children +were seen running away laden with costly goods of all kinds, and men +urged each other on, shouting with fury until they were hoarse. + +The work of destruction went on undisturbed until nearly ten o'clock, +when suddenly, from the direction of High Street, a troop of Dragoons, +with swords drawn, came at full gallop, and rushed into the crowd, +slashing right and left with their sabres. They had been ordered to +strike with the flats only, but some stones were thrown at them, after +which some of the rioters got some very ugly cuts. Simultaneously +the mob was taken in flank by a body of a hundred police, which came, +headed by Mr. Joseph Walker and Mr. George Whateley, from Moor Street. +Such of the mob as could get away fled in terror, but so many arrests +were made that the prison in Moor Street was soon filled. In less than +a quarter of an hour not one of the rioters was to be seen, and the +peaceful inhabitants came trembling into the streets, to look upon the +wreck, and to convey their women and children to some safer locality. +Some ladies had to be brought from upper storeys by ladders. Tradesmen +took their account books away, for fear of further troubles. The fire +engines were brought, and vigorous help was soon obtained to work +them. By one o'clock in the morning the fires were all extinct, but at +that time all that remained of the premises of Messrs. Bourne and Mr. +Leggatt were the black and crumbling walls. + +I have mentioned the attack upon the premises of W. Dakin and Co. My +own brother was manager there, and was in the very thick of the fray. +From him at the time, I had a very graphic account of the affair, and +in order that this little sketch might be as accurate as possible, I +made a special visit to his house, nearly 150 miles from Birmingham, +to refresh my memory; and the following account of the attack upon +Dakin's, and the robbery at Horton's, is in his own language: + +"Remember it? Yes, I was confidential manager to Messrs. W. Dakin +and Co., tea merchants, at No. 28, High Street, where they had large +premises facing the street, and carried on a very extensive business, +having about twenty assistants living on the premises. + +"It was the custom every Monday evening to remove all the goods from +the windows, so that the porters might clean the glass the following +morning, and this had been done on the night of the riots, so that +the windows were empty. There was a great crowd in the street that +evening, and I ordered the place to be closed earlier than usual, +and kept everybody on the alert. About eight o'clock, amid increasing +uproar in the street, there came a cry of 'Fire,' and on proceeding to +an upper floor I saw the glare of fire reflected in the windows of the +opposite houses. I at once collected all the assistants and porters, +and proceeding to the shop, we lighted the gas and mustered all +the 'arms' in the house. They consisted of an old sword and a horse +pistol, the latter of which we loaded with ball. The front door was +a very wide one, and here I planted one of the porters with a large +kitchen poker. In one of the windows I placed a strong man with a +crowbar, and in the other an active fellow with the sword. Presently +we heard our upper windows smashing, and simultaneously, an attack was +made upon our front door and windows by men armed with railings they +had taken from Nelson's monument. These heavy bars were evidently +wielded by men of great strength, for one of the earliest thrusts +broke through a strong shutter, smashing a thick plate of glass +inside. By holes through the bottom of the shutters, the men, using +the bars as levers, wrenched the shutters out. There was a strong and +very massive iron shutter-guarding bar about half-way up. They pulled +at the shutters, jerking them against this bar until they broke them +in two across the middle. They then pulled them away and smashed the +whole front in, leaving us bare and completely open to the street. +This did not take place, however, without a struggle, for as often as +a hand or an arm came within reach, my doughty henchman with the sword +chopped at them with great energy and considerable success. Others +collected the metal weights of the shop and hurled them in the faces +of our assailants. I, myself, knocked one fellow senseless by a blow +from a four-pound weight, which I dashed full in his face. In return +we were assailed by a perfect shower of miscellaneous missiles, +including a great many large lumps of sugar, stolen from other +grocers' shops. Finding themselves baffled, a cry was raised of 'Fire +the ---- place'. One of the men then deliberately climbed lamp-post +opposite, and with one blow from a bar of iron knocked away the lamp +and its connections, upon which the gas from the broken pipe flared up +two or three feet high. From this flame they lighted a large number +of combustibles, which they hurled amongst us and through the upper +windows. I thought our time was come, but my men were very active, and +we kept our ground. The young man with the pistol came to me and asked +if he should fire. 'Certainly,' said I, 'and mind you take good aim.' +He tried two or three times, but the thing wouldn't go off; we found +afterwards that in his terror he had omitted to 'cock' it. Spite of +this disaster, we fought for about twenty minutes, when there came a +sudden lull, and we were left alone. Looking cautiously through the +broken window, I saw that the mob had complete possession of the shop +of Mr. Horton, a silversmith, next door, and were appropriating the +valuable contents. Men and women, laden with the spoil, were running +off as fast as possible. The women were the worst, and they folded up +their dresses like aprons, and carried off silver goods by laps-full. + +"All at once there was a cry, a roar, and a sound of horses' hoofs. A +moment afterwards we saw a troop of Dragoons come tearing along, with +swords drawn, slashing away on all sides. Some of the rioters were +very badly cut, and the affrighted ruffians fled in all directions, +amid groans, cries, curses, and a horrid turmoil. Several houses were +on fire, and the whole place was lighted up with a lurid glow. + +"Our premises inside presented a curious sight. Each floor was strewn +with missiles thrown by the mob. Large lumps of sugar, stones, bits of +iron, portions of bricks, pieces of coal, and embers of burning wood +were mixed up with silver teapots, toast racks, glass cruets, and +plated goods of every kind. Aloft in the gasalier we found a silver +cruet stand and a bunch of three pounds of tallow candles. The whole +place was in a frightful state of ruin and confusion. Our list of +killed and wounded was, fortunately, a light one. I was the only one +seriously hit. I had a heavy blow in the face which spoiled it as +a picture, both in 'drawing' and 'colour,' for some time, but it +eventually got well. One of our fellows, we found, had retired to his +bed-room during the fight; he said he was 'demoralised.' Another, +a porter, had hidden himself in a place of great sweetness and +safety--the dung-pit of the stable yard. Our premises, however, though +damaged, were not destroyed, and our stock had not been stolen. We +were warmly congratulated on the success of our defence, and 'Dakin's +young men' were looked upon as heroes for a time." + +The magistrates, having been all summoned, remained in consultation at +the Public Office during the whole night, and most energetic measures +were determined upon. Barriers, guarded by soldiers, were placed at +the entrances to all the streets leading to the centre of the town. +It was resolved that no more than three persons should be allowed to +collect at any point. To enforce these orders the whole of the special +constables--2,000 in number--who were already sworn in, were called +into active service. Arrangements were made to increase the number to +5,000. Messengers were sent to the authorities of the three adjoining +counties, requesting the immediate assistance of the Yeomanry Cavalry. +An "eighteen-pounder" piece of field artillery was placed on the +summit of the hill in High Street, and another on Holloway Head. The +suburbs of the town were to be patrolled continuously by the +Dragoons, and the centre was to be under the protection of the special +constables. A guard of the Rifle Brigade was to be stationed at +the Public Office, and the remainder was to be kept in reserve for +emergencies. The sittings of the magistrates were to be continuous day +and night, and other precautionary measures were resolved upon. + +The town, the next morning, presented a most dismal appearance. The +shops in all the principal streets were closed, and remained so during +the day. Prom Moor Street to about a hundred yards beyond New Street +there was scarcely a pane of glass left entire. Most of the doors and +shutters were literally in splinters; valuable goods, in some of the +shops from which the owners had fled in terror the night before, were +lying in the smashed windows, entirely unprotected, and of the still +smoking and steaming ruins of the premises of Messrs. Bourne and Mr. +Leggatt nothing was left standing but the walls. The west side of the +Bull Ring, from "The Spread Eagle" to New Street, was in a similar +condition, but there had been no fires there. The whole area of the +Bull Ring was strewn with a strange medley of miscellaneous items. +Some one of the specials or police who had been on guard there during +the night, in a spirit of grim humour, had stuck up a half-burnt +arm-chair, in which they had placed, in imitation of a sitting figure, +one of the large circular tea-canisters from Messrs. Bourne's, which, +in its battered condition, bore some rough resemblance to a human +form. They had clothed it with some half-burned bed ticking; had +placed a shattered hat upon its summit; and, having made a small hole +in that part which had been the neck, had stuck therein a long clay +pipe. It had a very droll appearance. Feathers were flying about, +and fragments of half-consumed furniture were jumbled up with smashed +tea-chests and broken scales. The ground was black with tea, soaked by +the water from the fire-engines. The railings of St. Martin's Church +were in ruins, and Nelson's Statue was denuded of a great portion +of its handsome iron fence. The whole place looked as though it had +undergone a lengthened siege, and had been sacked by an infuriated +soldiery. + +There is good reason for thinking that the riots were premeditated, +and had been arranged by some mysterious, secret conclave in London +or elsewhere. On this morning--the day _after_ the riots, be it +remembered--a letter was received by Messrs. Bourne, _bearing the +London post-mark of the day before_, of which the following is a copy, +in matter and in arrangement: + + FAMINE, &c. + The people shall rise like lions and shall not lie down till they + eat the prey, and drink the blood of the slain, + under + JESUS CHRIST!! + Taking vengeance upon all who disobey + THE GOSPEL! + ECCE, GLORIA DEI. REX MUNDI. + EXEUNT OMNES. + SELAH. + BLOOD. FIRE, &c. + +During the day preventive arrangements were actively put in practice. +Captain Moorson, R.N., who was in command of the special constables, +organised a system by which the several detachments into which he had +divided them could be concentrated, at short notice, upon any given +spot. Guardrooms were engaged at the principal inns, which were open +day and night, and the specials were on duty for specified portions +of each day. Each of the detachments had an officer to control their +movements. Provisions of a simple nature were amply provided, and +every arrangement was made for the comfort of the specials while +on duty. In a day or two troops of Yeomanry marched in, and were +quartered in the houses of the residents in the suburbs. Meanwhile, +great indignation was openly expressed at what was thought the +neglect of proper precaution on the part of the magistracy; and on +Tuesday--the day after the fires--a meeting was held, at which the +complaints were loudly and angrily discussed. A memorial was drawn up, +numerously signed, and forwarded by the same night's post to Lord +John Russell, who was then Home Secretary. It brought heavy charges +of neglect against the local rulers, and finished as follows: "Feeling +that the Mayor and Magistrates have been guilty of gross dereliction +of duty, we request your Lordship to institute proceedings to bring +them to trial for their misconduct, and, in the meantime, to suspend +them from any further control or interference." + +On the Wednesday morning, the London papers had long and special +reports of Monday night's proceedings, and _The Times_ gave publicity +to two statements which I cannot find corroborated in any way. +It stated that on Monday morning the town was placarded with an +announcement that Mr. Thomas Attwood was expected in the town during +the day, and would address the people; and it mentioned that about the +middle of the day a man with a bell was sent round to announce that +a meeting would be held upon Holloway Head at half-past six that +evening, and that Mr. Attwood would be there. So far as I can discover +by diligent search, neither of these statements was correct. They +were, however, made the text of violent attacks, in the Press and +in both Houses of Parliament, upon the magistrates, and upon Lord +Melbourne's Ministry, which had appointed them. The virulence of these +attacks was very remarkable even in those days, and was almost beyond +what the present generation will believe possible. One of the speakers +in the House of Lords did not hesitate to say that he held the "Palace +favourites" liable to the country for having knowingly appointed +violent demagogues and known disloyal persons to the magisterial +bench. Lord Melbourne, in a long and eloquent speech, rebutted the +charge, and read to the House a long and very able letter from Mr. +William Scholefield, the Mayor, giving a full and fair history of +the whole matter. Government, however, consented to institute a full +inquiry; and Mr. Maule, the Solicitor to the Treasury, was sent +down, and held sittings at the Hen and Chickens Hotel. His +inquiries, however, were only preliminary to the full and exhaustive +investigation made afterwards by Mr. Dundas, who, in his report to +Parliament (presented October 26, 1840), fully absolved the Mayor and +magistrates from blame. + +Upwards of sixty of the rioters having been apprehended, the +magistrates had a busy week of it, and large numbers of prisoners were +committed for trial. A Special Assize was opened at Warwick, on August +2nd, before Mr. Justice Littledale. Three men, named respectively, +Howell, Roberts, and Jones, and a boy named Aston, were found guilty +of arson, and condemned to death. The jury recommended them to mercy, +but the judge told them, that as to the men, he could not support +their appeal. The Town Council, however, petitioned for remission, and +a separate petition of the inhabitants, the first signature to which +was that of Messrs. Bourne, asked for mercy to the misguided convicts. +They were ultimately transported for life. Of the many others who were +found guilty, the majority were released upon their own recognisances, +and others, to the number of about a dozen, were sentenced to various +terms of imprisonment with hard labour. + +There remained the bill to be paid. Claims to the amount of £16,283 +were sent in; and after a long and searching investigation of each +claim separately, the sum of £15,027 was awarded to the sufferers. +Rates to the amount of £20,000, for compensation, and to cover +expenses, were, made in the Hundred of Hemlingford, and with the +payment of these sums the Birmingham Riots of 1839 became matter of +history only. + +It is a very extraordinary circumstance that to this time no one, so +far as I am aware, has observed a remarkable coincidence. On the 15th +of July, 1791, the houses of Mr. John Ryland, at Easy Hill, Mr. John +Taylor, Bordesley Hall, and William Hutton, the historian, in High +Street, were destroyed by the "Church and King" rioters. On the 15th +of July, in the year 1839, forty-eight years afterwards--to a day--the +Chartist rioters were rampant in the Bull Ring. + +After 1839, the Birmingham Chartists gave very little trouble. There +were occasional meetings sympathising with the movement, in other +places, as at Newport in the following November, and in the Potteries +in 1842. These meetings, however, were not largely attended, and there +was none of the former excitement. On the 11th of April, 1848, the +date of Feargus O'Connor's wretched _fiasco_ in London, they played +their last feeble game. They held a meeting in the People's Hall, and +I there heard some violent revolutionary speeches. There was, however, +no response to their excited appeals, and from that day Chartism was +practically extinct. + +It is not, perhaps, generally known that the principles embodied in +the famous "Charter" were not new. In 1780 Charles James Fox, the +great Whig leader, declared himself in favour of the identical six +points which were, so long after, embodied in the programme of the +Chartists. The Duke of Richmond of that time brought into the House of +Lords, in the same year, a Bill to give universal suffrage and annual +parliaments; and afterwards, Mr. Erskine, Sir James Macintosh, and +Earl Grey advocated similar views. + +Several great causes were at work which tended to throw Chartism into +obscurity. The repeal of the Corn Laws had given the people cheap +bread, and the advent of free trade gave abundant work and good wages. +With increased bodily comfort came contentment of mind. The greater +freedom of intercourse, caused by railway travelling, showed the lower +classes that the governing bodies were not so badly disposed towards +them as they had been taught to believe. On the other hand, the upper +classes acquired a higher sense of duty to their humbler neighbours. +All grades came to understand each other better, and with increased +knowledge came better feelings and a more friendly spirit. + +But another cause has perhaps had a deeper and more lasting effect. +The abolition of the stamp duty upon newspapers, and the consequent +advent of a cheap press, enabling every working man to see his +daily paper, and to know what is going on, has carried into effect, +silently, a revolution, complete and thorough, in English thought and +manners, in relation to political matters. Every man now sees that, +differing as Englishmen do, and always will, upon some matters, they +all agree as to one object. That object is, "the greatest good to +the greatest number" of their fellow countrymen. The pride of all +Englishmen now, is in the glory that their great country has achieved +in peaceful directions. Their ardent desire and prayer is, that the +benefits they have secured for themselves in the last few and fruitful +years of judicious legislation, may descend with ever-widening +beneficent influences to succeeding generations. + + + + +GOSSIP ABOUT ROYALTY. + + +As I sit down to write, on the stormy evening of this twenty-ninth +day of January, 1877, I bethink me that it is fifty-seven years to-day +since death terminated a life and a reign alike unexampled for their +length in the history of English monarchs. King George the Third died +on the 29th of January, 1820. + +I remember the day perfectly. I, a child not quite five years old, was +sitting with my parents in a room, the windows of which looked upon +the street of a pleasant town in Kent. Snow was falling fast, and lay +thick upon the ground outside. The weather was intensely cold, and we +crowded round the fire for warmth and comfort. Suddenly there was a +crash: a snowball fell in our midst, and the fragments of a windowpane +were scattered in the room. My father rose in anger to go to catch the +culprit who had thrown. He was unsuccessful; but in his short visit to +the street he had learned some news, for when he returned he told us +that the King was dead. + +The King dead? I had heard of "the King" of course, but what _it_ was +I had never thought of. To me it represented strength and omnipotent +protection, but it was an abstraction only; an undefined something of +awful portent; and that _it_ could die was very mysterious, and set me +wondering what we should do now. + +My father explained at once, that the King was only a man; that his +sons and daughters, even, were old people now; that one of the sons +died only a week ago, and wasn't buried yet; and that this son had +left, fatherless, a little baby girl, not much over six months old, +who, if she should live, might one day become the Queen of England. +Such is my earliest recollection in connection with the illustrious +lady who still, happily, sits upon the English throne. + +I am an old man now, but I remember that being without a King made +me feel very uncomfortable then, particularly at night. A few days +afterwards, however, there was a sound of trumpets in the street, and +a number of elderly gentlemen, in very queer dresses and curious hats, +stopped opposite our window, where one of them, standing upon a +stool, read something from a paper. When he had finished, the trumpets +sounded again, and I knew there was a new King, for all the people +shouted, "God save the King." Then, for the first time since the fatal +day, I felt re-assured; and I went to bed that night free from the +dread which had been instilled into my mind by a very judicious nurse, +that Bonaparte might come in the dark; steal me and my little brother; +and cook us for his Sunday dinner. + +Soon after this I had frequent opportunities of seeing a veritable +Queen. The unfortunate Caroline, wife of George the Fourth, lived at +Blackheath, and drove occasionally in an open carriage through +the streets of Greenwich, and there I saw her. I have a perfect +recollection of her face and figure. A very common-looking red face +it was, and a very "dowdy" figure. She wore always an enormous +flat-brimmed "Leghorn" hat, trimmed with ostrich feathers. The +remainder of her dress was gaudy, and, if one may say so of a +Queen's attire, rather vulgar. She was, however, very popular in the +neighbourhood; and when, at her great trial, she was acquitted, the +town of Greenwich was brilliantly illuminated. I remember, too, how +she, having been snubbed at the coronation of her husband, died of +grief only three weeks afterwards, and how in that very month of +August, 1821, which saw her death, her illustrious spouse set forth, +amid much pomp and gaiety, on a festive journey to Ireland. + +In October, 1822, I saw the King himself, on his way to embark at +Greenwich, for Scotland. I remember a double line of soldiers along +the road, several very fussy horsemen riding to and fro, a troop of +Cavalry, and a carriage, in which sat a very fat elderly man, with a +pale flabby face, without beard or whisker, but fringed with the curls +of a large brown wig. That is all I remember, or care to remember, of +George the Fourth. + +A little more than ten years after that cold January day of which I +wrote, this King lay, dying, at Windsor. It was early summer, and I, +a boy of fifteen, was one of a group of people who stood in front of a +bookseller's shop at Guildford, reading a copy of a bulletin which had +just arrived: "_His Majesty has passed a restless night; the symptoms +have not abated_." As I turned away, I overheard a woman say, "The +King'll be sure to die; he's got the symptoms, and I never knew +anybody get over _that_." All at once the bells struck up a merry +peal, and the Union Jack floated from the "Upper Church" tower. A +crowd assembled round the "White Hart," and a dozen post-horses, ready +harnessed, stood waiting in the street. Presently there was a sound of +hoofs and wheels, and three carriages dashed rapidly up the hill, to +the front of the hotel. The people waved their hats and shouted. The +glass window of one of the carriages was let down, and a child's +face and uncovered head appeared in the opening: it was the Princess +Victoria, then eleven years old. A mass of golden curls; a fair round +face, with the full apple-shaped cheeks peculiar to the Guelphs; a +pair of bright blue eyes; an upper lip too short to cover the front +teeth; a pleasant smile; and a graceful bending of the tiny figure as +the carriage passed away, left favourable impressions of the future +Queen. She had been summoned from the Isle of Wight to be near her +uncle; at whose death, a few days after--amid a storm of thunder and +lightning, such as had not been known since the night when Cromwell +died--his brother, the Duke of Clarence, was proclaimed King, and she +became the Heiress Presumptive to the Crown of England. + +William the Fourth, with his good Queen, Adelaide, I saw once, as +they rode in the great State carriage to the Handel commemoration, +at Westminster Abbey, in June, 1834. The King had a good-tempered, +simple-looking face, without much sign of intellectual power; +the Queen's face was of Grecian shape, and had a thoughtful and +intelligent expression. The face and features were good in form, but +the complexion was highly coloured, and looked as though affected +by some kind of inflammation. They were a quiet, unpretending, +well-meaning, and moral couple. They purified the tainted precincts of +the Court, and thus rendered it fit for the abode of the youthful and +gracious lady who succeeded them. + +The next time I saw the Princess Victoria was in 1836. It was on a day +which, but for the firmness of Sir John Conroy, who acted as Equerry, +might have been her last. At any rate, but for him, she would have +been in great peril. I was standing in the High Street of Rochester; a +fearful hurricane was blowing from the west; chimney pots, tiles, and +slates were flying in all directions, and the roaring of the wind, +as it hurtled through the elms in the Deanery Garden, was loud as +thunder. A strip of lead, two feet wide, the covering of a projecting +shop window, rolled up like a ribbon, and fell into the street. At +that moment three carriages, containing the Duchess of Kent, the +Princess, and their suite, came by. They were on their way from +Ramsgate to London, and a change of horses stood ready at the Bull +Inn. Arriving there, a gentleman of the city approached Sir John, and +advised him not to proceed further, telling him that if they attempted +to cross Rochester bridge, the carriages might be upset by the force +of the wind. The Royal travellers alighted, and Sir John proceeded to +inspect the bridge. On his return, he advised the Duchess to stay, +as the storm was raging fearfully, and the danger was imminent. The +Princess, with characteristic courage, wanted to go on, but Sir John +was firm, and he prevailed, for the journey onwards was postponed. In +an hour from that time, nearly the whole of one parapet was lying in +rains upon the footway of the bridge, and the other had been blown +bodily into the river underneath. The Royal party had to stay all +night, and the inn at which they slept, henceforth took the additional +title of "Victoria Hotel," which it still retains. The journey was +resumed next day, the horses being carefully led by grooms over the +roadway of the wall-less bridge. + +A few months after this, the Princess, at Kensington Palace, was +called from her bed, in the twilight of a summer morning, and was +greeted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Prime Minister, Lord +Melbourne, as Queen of England. Her first act, as Queen, was to write, +and despatch by a special messenger to Windsor, an affectionate letter +to her widowed aunt, the Queen Dowager. From that time forward her +daily doings have been duly chronicled, and need not be dwelt upon +here; but a few sketches, incidental to her own and the Prince +Consort's visits to Birmingham, will perhaps be interesting. + +When the Princess Victoria was a mere child, her excellent mother, in +the course of a somewhat lengthy tour, brought her to Birmingham, to +see some of the principal manufactories. Arrangements were made for +their stay at Willday's Hotel, now the Eye Hospital, in Temple Row. On +the day they were expected, a guard of honour, consisting of a company +of Infantry, was in attendance, and, pending the Royal arrival, waited +near the Rectory, in St. Philip's Churchyard. By a very singular +chance, the officer then in command became, years after, the Rector +of St. Philip's, and the occupier of the house before which he waited +that day. He is now the Dean of Worcester, the Hon. and Rev. Grantham +M. Yorke. + +As the hour of the arrival of the Royal visitors approached, the +troops drew up in front of the hotel, and they presented arms as the +carriage arrived. A great crowd had assembled. There were no police +then, and order was badly kept. As the Princess alighted, a lady, +standing near the door of the hotel (Mrs. Fairfax, who recently lived +in Great Charles Street), moved by a sudden impulse, rushed forward, +caught the Princess in her arms, and kissed her. The Duchess was +annoyed, and the attendants, too, were very angry; but the crowd, +recognising in the act only the "one touch of nature" that "makes +the whole world kin," gave the adventurous lady a round of hearty +cheering. + +It was many years after her accession that the Queen revisited the +town, but the Prince Consort came frequently. His first visit was in +1843. Her Majesty and himself were the guests of Sir Robert Peel +at Drayton Manor, and the Prince took the opportunity to come to +Birmingham, to inspect some of the manufactories. There is reason to +believe that the impressions he received that day were lasting, and +that he ever afterwards took a very warm interest in the town and its +various industries. Mr. Thomas Weston was Mayor at the time. He was +a prosperous and very worthy man, possessing a large fund of common +sense, but knowing little of courtly manners. Of course, as Chief +Magistrate, he accompanied the Prince through the town, and joined him +at the luncheon provided at the Grammar School, by the Rev. J.P. Lee, +the Head Master. After luncheon, the Prince, his Equerry, and the +Lord-Lieutenant, took their seats in the carriage, but the Mayor was +missing. Anxious looks were exchanged, and as minute after minute +went by, the attendants became impatient. The Prince stood up in the +carriage, and put on an overcoat. Still the Mayor didn't come. At +length it oozed out that he had lost his hat. A dozen hats were +offered at once on loan; but the Mayor's head was a large one, and it +was long before a hat sufficiently capacious could be found. It came +at last, however, and the Mayor, in a borrowed hat, came rushing +out, much disconcerted, and full, evidently, of apologies, which the +Prince, with much good nature, laughingly accepted. + +The next time he came to Birmingham was in 1849. At this time the area +from Broad Street to Cambridge Street in one direction, and in the +other from King Edward's to King Alfred's Place, now covered with +buildings, was enclosed on all sides by a brick wall some ten feet +high. Inside this wall there was a belt of trees all round, and a +few "ancestral elms" were dotted here and there within the enclosure. +About a hundred yards from the Broad Street wall stood a square house +of red brick, built in the style of architecture current in the days +of Queen Anne. It was known as Bingley House. Not far from the spot +where the house now occupied by Mr. Mann, the surgeon, stands, was a +carriage gate, leading to the dwelling. The grounds were laid out in +park-like fashion, and so late as 1847 were abundantly tenanted by +wild rabbits. The house had been occupied for a generation or two +by the Lloyd family, but about 1846 or 1847 they removed, and it +was understood that the ground was shortly to be devoted to building +purposes. + +In 1848, an exhibition of Birmingham manufactures was projected: the +idea, I believe, originating with the late Mr. Aitken. It was received +with considerable favour, and a strong committee being formed, a plan +was soon matured for carrying it into effect. Negotiations resulted in +the tenancy, for the purpose, of Bingley House and grounds. Very soon +a substantial timber building was seen rising within the wall, near +the corner of King Alfred's Place. In a few weeks it was covered in; a +broad corridor connected it with the old mansion; and early in 1849 +an exhibition, most interesting in its details, and artistic in its +arrangement, was opened. The larger articles were displayed in the +temporary building; flat exhibits covered the walls of the corridor; +and smaller matters were arranged, with great judgment, in the +old-fashioned rooms of the house itself. + +The exhibition opened with great _éclat_. The buildings were thronged +from morning till night with gratified crowds. Special reporters from +the daily newspapers came down from London, and sent long and special +reports for publication. The veteran magazine, now called _The +Art Journal_, but then known as _The Art Union_, gave interesting +accounts, with engravings of many of the articles on view, and the +whole matter was a great and signal success. + +One morning the secretary received an intimation that Prince Albert +was coming on the following day. Preparations on a suitable scale were +at once commenced for his reception, and the principal exhibitors were +invited to be in attendance. At the time appointed, the Prince, who +had made a special journey from London for the purpose, was met by the +officials at the entrance, and conducted systematically through the +place. He made a most minute and careful examination of the whole +of the contents, took copious memoranda, and chatted familiarly with +everybody. One remark I heard him make struck me as significant of the +practical, observant character of his mind. Cocoa-fibre matting was +then comparatively unknown; the stone steps of the old hall had been +carpeted with this new material; observing this, as he walked up the +steps, the Prince turned to Mr. Aitken and said, "Capital invention +this; the only material I know of that wears better in a damp place +than when dry." + +As he left the place on his return to London, he expressed, in cordial +terms, his thanks for the attention shown him, and said he had "been +very much pleased; quite delighted, in fact," and so ended a visit +which eventually led to the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Royal +Commission for the establishment of which was gazetted January 3, +1850. + +The Prince came again, to lay the foundation stone of the Midland +Institute buildings. On that occasion he accepted an invitation to a +public luncheon in the Town Hall, and it was here that he delivered +the celebrated speech which placed him at once in the foremost rank of +philosophic thinkers. He was much pleased at his cordial reception on +this occasion, and it is known that it had much to do in overcoming +the avowed reluctance of the Queen to visit Birmingham, and was mainly +instrumental in inducing her to consent to open Aston Hall and Park. + +The 15th of June, 1858, was eagerly looked forward to, for on that day +the Queen was coming. Taking a lesson from continental practice, it +was wisely resolved that individual attempts at decoration should be +discouraged, and that the inhabitants of each street should combine +for effective artistic arrangements. For the first time, I believe, +in England, Venetian masts were a principal feature, where possible. +Poles by hundreds, and flags by thousands, were sought in all +directions. The Town Hall was placed in the hands of skilful +decorators. The interior was, as yet, a mystery; but the pediment +fronting Paradise street was fitted with an enormous canvas-covered +frame, upon which was emblazoned, in gorgeous, but proper heraldic +style, the Royal Arms of England. All along the line of route through +the town, and on the road to Aston, rose hundreds of galleries for +spectators. Every one was busy in preparation, and nothing was omitted +to make the scene as gay as possible. + +The morning of the day was fine and intensely hot. Each street had its +own style of ornamentation, but the number of separate short lengths +of the route, gave sufficient variety to avoid monotony. Bull Street, +as seen from the bottom, seemed like a fairy scene from a theatre; all +looked gay and pleasant to the artistic eye. The Town Hall had been +transformed into a gorgeous Throne Room, and was crowded with the +_élite_ of the neighbourhood. The Queen, as usual, was punctual, and +took her seat under a regal canopy. A short reception was held. The +Mayor knelt, and rose up a Knight. The mover and seconder of the +address from the Corporation kissed hands. Poor Alderman Horatio +Cutler, in his confusion at finding himself in so august a presence, +forgot the customary bending of the knee. In vain Lords in Waiting +touched the back of his leg with their wands to remind him. He had +lost his presence of mind, and retired in utter confusion, amid a +general but suppressed titter. + +Then came the journey to the Park, through the long line of decorated +streets; the short ceremony at the Hall, and the luncheon. Then the +appearance in the gallery upon the roof of the glass pavilion, where +the Queen and Prince received, and acknowledged gracefully, the +plaudits of the spectators; and finally came the announcement by Sir +Francis Scott, that he had received "Her Majesty's gracious commands +to declare, in her name, that the Park was now open." + +At the door of departure, her Majesty, in thanking the Mayor for the +arrangements made for her comfort and convenience, was pleased to say +that she had never before been greeted with such enthusiastic loyalty, +and that the decorations had exceeded in beauty anything of the kind +she had ever seen. + +I have never seen the Queen since. Her photographs, however, show me +that, although she has twenty-seven grand-children, and has been Queen +of England for more than forty years, she is still a comely matron, +with every appearance of health and vigour. Long may she remain so! +Long may she continue to be, as now, the kindly, sympathetic, motherly +head of a contented, loyal, and united people. + + + + +BIRMINGHAM BANKS: OLD AND NEW. + + +At the close of the French war in 1814, the Bank of England commenced +preparations for the return to specie payments. Immediate "tightness" +in the money market was the result. Prices fell. Trade became dull. +Credit was injured. The return of peace seemed, to the unthinking, +a curse rather than a blessing. Alarming riots were frequent, and +general distress and discontent existed. The Government, in some +alarm, resolved to postpone the resumption of cash payments until +1819. + +In the meantime, the subject of the proper regulation of the currency +underwent a good deal of discussion, and in the year 1819 the Act +known as "Peel's Bill" was passed. It provided that after 1821 the +bank should be compelled to pay its notes in bullion at the rate of +£3 17s. 10-1/2d. per ounce, and that after 1823 holders of notes might +demand at the bank current coin of the realm in Exchange. The same +Act abolished the legal tender of silver for any sum beyond forty +shillings. + +This made matters worse. Banks became more stringent. Prices of all +commodities fell. Numbers of people were thrown out of work. Poor's +rates increased in amount and frequency, and general discontent +prevailed. Corn and agricultural produce no longer fetched war prices. +Landlords insisted upon retaining war rents, which farmers were unable +to pay. To meet this difficulty, Parliament passed the Corn Laws, +hoping thereby to keep up prices. These new laws produced the contrary +effect. Wheat fell from 12s. to 5s. the bushel. Rents could not be +collected. Mortgages upon land could not be redeemed, and land became +practically unsaleable. + +Things at length attained such a condition, that Government became +seriously alarmed, and brought into Parliament five distinct money +bills in one night. These bills were hurried through both Houses as +fast as the forms of Parliament would allow. All of them had for their +object the relaxation of the stringency of the money laws; and one Act +permitted the issue of one pound notes for ten years longer, _i.e._, +to 1833. + +Trade immediately revived. Labour became abundant, and everyone, +high or low, in the country, felt immediate relief and benefit. +Unfortunately, with the return to prosperity came the usual unwise +rebound in public feeling. Everything became _couleur de rose_. The +wildest joint stock enterprises were projected. Capital, obtained on +easy terms of credit, was forced into every branch of commerce. Trade +was pushed beyond legitimate requirements. Imports of cotton, wine, +and silk increased so far beyond their usual amount, that the rates +of exchange turned against this country. The Bank of England, in +self-defence, "put on the screw." Money invested in distant countries, +in speculative operations, was now badly wanted at home. Suspicion +arose, and confidence was shaken. Merchants, in default of their +usual help from bankers, suspended payment. Bankers themselves, having +depended upon the return of their former advances, were in great +peril. Alarm having become general, there was a simultaneous run for +gold throughout the country, with the result that in a very short time +seventy-nine banks stopped payment, of which no fewer than fifty-nine +became bankrupt. The whole kingdom was in a frightful state of +consternation. Failure followed failure in rapid succession. The +whole circulation of the country was deranged, and at the beginning of +December, 1825, the Bank of England stock of cash amounted only to a +very few thousand pounds. + +Ministers were called together in haste, and Cabinet Councils were +daily held. It was decided to issue two millions sterling of Exchequer +bills, upon which the bank was authorised to issue an equal amount of +notes. The bank was also "recommended" to make advances of a further +sum of three millions, upon the security of produce and general +merchandise. + +At this moment a fortunate discovery was made which did more to allay +the excitement than the measures just mentioned. The bank had ceased +to issue one pound notes six years before, and it was thought that +they had all been destroyed. Accidentally, and most opportunely, +when things were at the worst, one of the _employés_ of the Bank, in +searching a store-room, found a case of the £1 unissued notes, which +had escaped observation at the time of the destruction. They were at +once issued to the public, by whom they were hailed with delight, as +the first "bit of blue" in the monetary sky. Under these re-assuring +circumstances the panic soon subsided, but it left its blighting +legacy of misery, ruin, diminished credit, and general embarrassment. + +The banking laws were soon after altered. The Bank of England was +induced to forego its exclusive monopoly of having more than six +proprietors, and the formation of joint stock banks consequently +became possible. A new era in banking commenced, which, modified from +time to time, has existed down to the present time. + +It will be seen that the close of the war, in 1814, was the +commencement of the great and violent monetary changes I have +attempted to describe. There were then six banks in Birmingham. Two of +these are altogether extinct; the other four have merged into existing +banks. For convenience sake, I will sketch the extinct banks first, +and afterwards show the processes by which the others have been +incorporated with existing institutions. + +At the period mentioned, the firm of Smith, Gray, Cooper, and Co. +had the largest banking business in the town. They carried on their +operations in the premises in Union Street now occupied by the +Corporation as offices for their gas department. This bank did a large +business with merchants and wholesale traders, and it "was a very +useful bank." After several changes, the firm became Gibbins, Smith, +and Goode. In the great panic of 1825, one of their customers, a +merchant named Wallace, failed, owing them £70,000. This, with other +severe losses, brought them down. They failed for a very large amount. +Such, however, had been their actual stability, that, after all +their losses, and after payment of the costs of their bankruptcy, the +creditors received a dividend of nineteen shillings and eightpence in +the pound. Mr. Smith, of this firm, was a man of great shrewdness and +probity, and was greatly esteemed by his friends. The late Mr. Thomas +Upfill had, in his dining-room, an excellent life-size portrait of Mr. +Smith, taken, probably, about the year 1820. This portrait is now +in the possession of a lady at Harborne. The face is a shrewd and +observant one, and it always struck me as having a remarkable likeness +to the great James Watt, the engineer. Of Mr. Gibbins and Mr. Goode we +shall hear more as we go on, but "Smith's Bank" became extinct. + +The firm of Galton, Galton, and James had their offices in the tall +building in Steelhouse Lane, opposite the Children's Hospital. They +weathered the storm of 1825, but, some years later on, Mr. James +accepted the post of manager of the Birmingham Banking Company, +whereupon the remaining partners retired into private life, and the +bank was closed. + +Messrs. Freer, Rotton, Lloyds, and Co. had offices in New Street, now +pulled down. They had a large number of customers, principally among +the retail traders and the smaller manufacturers. The firm underwent +several changes, being altered to Rotton, Onion, and Co., then Rotton +and Scholefield, and finally to Rotton and Son. The banking office, +in the meantime, had been removed to the corner of Steelhouse Lane, in +Bull Street. Upon the death of the elder Mr. Rotton, the business +was transferred to the National Provincial Bank of England, Mr. Henry +Rotton becoming manager. This gentleman, whose death only recently +occurred, held this position for many years, and was universally +respected. His mental organisation was, however, too refined and +feminine to battle with the rough energy of modern trading. The bank, +under his management, was tolerably successful, but it remained a +small and somewhat insignificant concern in comparison with others. +An arrangement, satisfactory on all sides, was at length entered into, +under which he resigned his appointment. His successor is Mr. J.L. +Porter, a man of different stamp. Under his sturdy and vigorous +management the business has rapidly increased. The premises were soon +found too small. They were, shortly after he came, pulled down, and +the present magnificent banking house in Bennetts Hill was built upon +the site of its somewhat ugly and badly-contrived predecessor. + +The firm of Coates, Woolley, and Gordon occupied, in 1815, the +premises in Cherry Street now held by the Worcester City and County +Bank. The business was, at a date I cannot learn, transferred to +Moilliet, Smith, and Pearson, and this was subsequently changed to +J.L. Moilliet and Sons, who carried the business on for many years, +finally transferring it to Lloyds and Company Limited. This company +removed it to their splendid branch establishment in Ann Street. Mr. +Moilliet, the senior partner in the Cherry Street Bank, was a Swiss by +birth, and lived in Newhall Street. In a warehouse at the back of his +residence, he carried on the business of a continental merchant. The +mercantile firm became afterwards Moilliet and Gem, who removed it to +extensive premises in Charlotte Street. Here, under the firm of E. Gem +and Co., it is still carried on. + +Taylor and Lloyd's Bank was established in 1765, at the corner of +Bank Passage in Dale End. Mr. Taylor had been a very successful +manufacturer of japanned goods, and made a very large number of +snuff-boxes, then in universal use. He produced, among others, a style +which was very popular, and the demand for which became enormous. +They were of various colours and shapes, their peculiarity consisting +entirely in the ornamentation of the surface. Each had a bright +coloured ground, upon which was a very extraordinary wavy style of +ornament of a different shade of colour, showing streaks and curves of +the two colours alternately, in such an infinity of patterns, that it +was said that no two were ever found alike. Other makers tried in vain +to imitate them; "how it was done" became an important question. The +mystery increased, when it became known that Mr. Taylor ornamented +them all with his own hands, in a room to which no one else was +admitted. The fortunate discoverer of the secret soon accumulated a +large fortune, and he used to chuckle, years after, as he told that +the process consisted in smearing the second coat of colour, while +still wet, with the fleshy part of his thumb, which happened to have +a peculiarly open or coarse "grain." It will be seen at once that in +this way he could produce an infinite variety. Mr. Lloyd, the other +partner, belonged to a very old Welsh family, which, as landed +proprietors, had been settled for generations near Llansantfraid, in +Merionethshire. There are some very ancient monuments of the ancestors +of this family in the parish church there. + +Somewhere about twenty-five years ago, the business was removed to +the present premises in High Street, and a few years later on, the +death--at Brighton--by his own hand, of Mr. Taylor, left the business +entirely vested in the Lloyd family. About ten or twelve years ago it +was decided to convert it into a limited liability company, and a very +searching examination was made by public accountants, as a preliminary +step. Just as the thing was ripe, the stoppage of the Birmingham +Banking Company was announced. This deferred the project for a time, +but the Messrs. Lloyd, with great judgment, published the accountants' +report. As soon as the excitement had abated, the prospectus was +issued. The shares were eagerly subscribed for, and the company was +formed. Moilliet's bank was included in the operation, and the +bank, under the able presidency of Mr. Sampson Lloyd, commenced the +energetic course of action which has resulted in its becoming the +largest banking concern in the Midland Counties. + +I cannot at the moment ascertain the date of the formation of the firm +of Attwood, Spooner, and Co., but in 1815 the partners appear to have +been the three brothers--Thomas, Matthias, and George Attwood, and +Mr. Richard Spooner. Matthias Attwood seceded, and went to London. Of +Thomas, it is unnecessary to say one word to Birmingham people; his +statue in our principal street shows that he was considered to be no +common man. He was one of the first Members for Birmingham upon its +incorporation, and was re-elected in 1837. Although he had been so +great and successful as a popular political leader, he made no "way" +in Parliament; and soon after the riots of 1839 he retired, being +succeeded by Mr. George Frederick Muntz. The last time I saw Mr. +Attwood was in 1849, at the exhibition in Bingley House. He was then +a thin, wasted, and decrepit old man. It was about this time that he +retired from the bank. + +George Attwood--his brother--was a man of different type. He was not +a politician. He was, in his best days, energetic, prompt, and +far-seeing. As he advanced in years he became fond of the pleasures +of the table, and the quality of his port wine became proverbial. His +intellect became dimmed, but his spirit of enterprise was active +as ever. He speculated in mines and other property to a very large +extent, and had not, as of old, the clear head to manage them +properly. There is little reason to doubt that here lies the secret of +the failure of the bank some years later. + +Richard Spooner was a remarkable man in many respects. Like many +others who in their later years have become "rank Tories," he began +his political life as a Liberal, contesting the town of Stafford +unsuccessfully in that interest. After the change in his views, he, +upon the death of Mr. Joshua Scholefield, in July, 1844, was elected +to be one of the Members for Birmingham, in opposition to the +candidature of Mr. William Scholefield. At the general election in +August, 1847, this decision was reversed; and Mr. Spooner, to this +day, is remembered as having been the only Conservative Member +Birmingham ever sent to Parliament. + +Mr. Spooner was afterwards chosen to represent North Warwickshire, a +position he held until his death, at the great age of 85, in November, +1864. He was quite blind for some years before his death. He had a great +horror of photographers, and refused all requests to sit for his +portrait. One was at length obtained surreptitiously. On a fine summer +day, he was persuaded, for the sake of the fresh air, to take a seat in +the yard, which then existed at the back of the bank. Mr. Whitlock was +in attendance, and succeeded, greatly to the delight of Mr. Spooner's +friends, in obtaining a very good portrait of the blind old man, as he +sat there, perfectly unconscious of what was going on. I believe this +was the only portrait ever taken. + +At the death of Mr. George Attwood--which preceded that of Mr. Spooner +by some years--the firm had been re-constituted, and became Attwood, +Spooner, Marshalls, and Co. The partners in the new firm were Mr. Thomas +Aurelius Attwood, Mr. R. Spooner, and Messrs. William and Henry +Marshall, who had been clerks in the bank all their lives. The deaths, +in a comparatively short period, of Mr. T.A. Attwood and Mr. W. +Marshall, followed soon after by that of Mr. Spooner, left Mr. Henry +Marshall the only surviving member of this firm. + +Soon after Mr. Spooner's death, it was announced that an amalgamation of +this bank with the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank in Temple Row had been +agreed upon, and satisfaction with this arrangement was universally +expressed. On Saturday March 10, 1865--only four months after Mr. +Spooner's decease--the town, and in fact the whole country, was +electrified by the announcement that the bank had stopped payment. +People were incredulous, as it had been thought to be one of the safest +banks in the kingdom. An excited crowd surrounded the bank premises +during the whole day, and a strong force of police was in attendance to +preserve order. In the course of the day a circular was issued, of which +the following is a copy: + + "It is with feelings of the deepest concern and distress that we + announce that we are compelled to suspend payment, and this at the + moment when, after several months of anxious negotiation, we had + confidently trusted we should obtain such assistance as would enable + us to carry into effect, on our part, the preliminary agreement for + the amalgamation of the bank with the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank. + In this hope we have been disappointed. Sums of money to a large + amount were drawn out of the bank some years since by the family + of the Attwoods. To this circumstance it can be clearly shown, at + the proper time, our failure is to be attributed. For the last ten + years every effort has been made to redeem the loss thus occasioned, + but this has only been partially accomplished. The assets of the + bank are, however, still very considerable, and there are real + estates of great value belonging to the bank, and but slightly + encumbered. We hope that in now suspending payment we shall be + considered as taking the best and only step to ensure a just and + equal distribution of our assets among our creditors." + +Upon a full investigation of the state of affairs, it was found that the +total amount of liabilities amounted to the large sum of £1,007,000, and +that the assets consisted chiefly of landed and mining properties of a +very speculative nature. There was also a very large amount of overdrawn +balances due from customers. After many projects had been launched, it +was announced that the committee of investigation had, subject to the +approval of the general body of creditors, disposed of the entire assets +to the directors of the Joint Stock Bank, they undertaking to pay the +creditors of Attwood and Co., in immediate cash, a dividend of 11s. 3d. +in the pound. This arrangement was carried into effect, and "Attwood's +Bank" became a memory only. Mr. Henry Marshall is, however, still living +in retirement at Weston-Super-Mare, and is, notwithstanding his great +age, in vigorous health, both of mind and body. + +The old familiar premises have now, too, passed away. The inconvenient +old office, with its rows of leather buckets, and its harmless array of +antiquated blunderbuses; its old-fashioned desks, dark with age, and +begrimed with ink spattered by successive generations of bygone clerks; +the low ceiling and quaint elliptic arches; the little fire-place near +the counter, where Aurelius Attwood, with his good-humoured face, used +to stand warming his coat-tails, and greeting the customers as they came +in, were all so much in harmony with the staid, gray-headed clerks, and +the quiet, methodical ways of the place, that when there, one might +fancy he had stepped back for fifty years, or was looking upon a +picture by Hogarth. + +It was stated a few pages back that the Bank of England, after the +great panic of 1825, consented to forego their exclusive privilege +of joint-stock banking. This, however, was not done without an +equivalent, for the Act of 1826, ratifying this consent, gave them the +power of establishing branch banks in the large towns of England. In +pursuance of the powers thus granted, the first branch was opened +at Gloucester on July 19th of that year. Others were started at +Manchester, September 21st, and Swansea, October 23rd. On New +Year's Day, 1827, the Branch Bank of England commenced business in +Birmingham, occupying the premises of the defunct firm of Gibbins, +Smith, and Goode, in Union Street, now the Gas Offices of the +Corporation. The first manager was Captain Nichols, who brought with +him, from the parent bank, a staff of clerks. One of these, a mere +youth at the time, was destined to fill an important position in the +town and in the country. This was Charles Geach; a very remarkable +man, of whom I shall have more to say by and by. + +Captain Nichols was succeeded by Captain Tindal, brother of the +illustrious jurist, Lord Chief Justice Tindal. During this gentleman's +tenure of office the business was removed to the premises in Bennetts +Hill, vacated by the unfortunate "Bank of Birmingham," of which more +hereafter. Here the business has ever since been conducted. + +Captain Tindal was a good man of business, and under his management +the bank was very prosperous. He was a man of highly-cultivated mind. +He took a very active interest in all local matters connected with +literature and art, and he was a very liberal patron of the drama. +Those who had the pleasure of being present at the pleasant _soirées_ +at his house, to which he was accustomed to invite the literary and +artistic notabilities of the neighbourhood, will not easily forget how +pleasantly the evenings passed; how everyone enjoyed the charades +and theatricals which were so excellently managed by the gifted +Miss Keating, then a governess in the family; how, too, everyone was +charmed with the original and convenient arrangement for supplying +visitors with refreshments. Instead of the conventional "sit-down +suppers" of those days, Captain Tindal had refreshment counters and +occasional tables dotted here and there, so that his friends took what +they pleased, at the time most convenient to themselves. One room was +very popular. Within its hospitable portals, hungry bipeds of the male +persuasion were supplied, to their intense satisfaction, with abundant +oysters, and unlimited foaming Dublin stout. Oysters were then five +shillings the barrel of ten dozens! _Tempora mutantur; spero meliora!_ + +It was a great loss to social and artistic Birmingham when Captain +Tindal was removed to London, twenty-one years ago. The Bank of +England opened a "West End" branch in Burlington Gardens, London, +and the Captain was appointed its first manager. This new branch was +opened October 1st, 1856. The resolution of the Board of Directors to +appoint Mr. Tindal to this position seems to have been taken suddenly, +for Mr. Chippindale, who had been sub-manager for some years, and was +now placed at the head of the Birmingham branch, did not know of it +until he was informed of his appointment by a customer of the bank. +This gentleman, who was a merchant in the town, tells me that he "was +the first to tell him of it. He said it was not true, and he must go +out and contradict it. I told him I _knew_ it _was_ true, but even +then he was incredulous." Mr. Chippindale has recently retired, and +has been succeeded by Mr. F.F. Barham. + +Soon after Mr. Chippindale's appointment, a friend of mine received +from New York a large sum in four months' bills upon Glasgow, which +he wished to discount. He was well known in Birmingham, but had no +regular banking account. The bank rate in London was four per cent. He +took the bills first to the National Provincial Bank, where Mr. Henry +Rotton offered to "do" them at four-and-a-half. This he thought too +high, and he next took them to the Bank of England. Mr. Chippindale +told him that the rule of the bank was not to discount anything having +more than ninety days to run; but, if he left the bills as security, +he could draw against them for the cash he wanted, and, as soon as the +bills came within the ninety days' limit, they could be discounted at +the London rate of the day. This arrangement was entered into, but, +unfortunately for my friend, a sudden turn in the market sent the rate +up three per cent. within the month, so that, when the transaction was +completed, he had to pay seven per cent. It made a difference to him +of between £200 and £300. + +From the time of Mr. Chippindale's appointment, the branch bank has +gone quietly on in its useful course. It does not compete much with +the other banks in general business; indeed, its office seems to be +rather that of a bank for bankers. Now that none of the local banks +issue their own notes, it is a great convenience to them to have on +the spot a store of Bank of England paper, available at a moment's +notice, to any required amount. + +The ten years from 1826 were very fruitful of joint stock banks in +Birmingham. Some have survived, but many are almost forgotten. I will +mention the defunct ones first. The "Bank of Birmingham" was promoted +by a Quaker gentleman, named Pearson. He had been, I believe, a +merchant in the town, but was afterwards a partner in the firm of +Moilliet Smith, and Pearson, from which he seems to have retired at, +the same time as his partner, the well-known Mr. Timothy Smith. The +Bank of Birmingham started with high aims and lofty expectations. The +directors built for their offices the substantial edifice on Bennetts +Hill, now occupied as the Branch Bank of England, and they prepared +for a very large business. They, however, much as they may have been +respected, and successful as most of them undoubtedly were in their +private affairs, were not men of large capacity, and they had not the +quick and sound judgment of character and circumstances necessary in +banking. Nor were they very fortunate in their manager. Mr. Pearson, +although he might have been taken as a model of honesty, truthfulness, +and straightforwardness, was a phlegmatic, heavy man, and his manners +were, to say the least, unprepossessing. The bank was not a success. +Negotiations were, a few years after, entered into, and arrangements +resulted, by which the Birmingham Banking Company took over the +business, on the basis of giving every shareholder in the Bank of +Birmingham a certain reduced amount of stock in their own bank, in +exchange. + +Some time before the transfer took place, a member of one of the most +respected and influential mercantile families in the neighbourhood +suspended payment, owing a large sum to the Bank of Birmingham, +upon which he paid a composition. He afterwards prospered, and some +twenty-five years afterwards, all those shareholders in the defunct +bank who still held, in the Birmingham Banking Company, the shares +they had been allotted in exchange at the time of the transfer, +received cheques for the deficiency, with interest thereon for the +whole period it had been unpaid. A relative of my own received, +in this way, several hundred pounds. I am not aware that this +circumstance has ever been made public, but it is due to the memory of +the late Mr. Robert Lucas Chance that so praise-worthy an act should +be on record. + +Mr. Pearson, after the closing of the bank, commenced business as a +sharebroker, which he continued until his death. He was one of the +last to retain, in all its rigour, the peculiar dress of the Society +of Friends. His stout, broad-set figure, with the wide-brimmed hat, +collarless coat, drab "thoses" and gaiters, will be remembered by many +readers. + +The Commercial Bank had offices at the corner of Ann Street and +Bennetts Hill. Mr. John Stubbs was an active promoter of this bank, +and Mr. James Graham was manager. It had a short life. Mr. Graham went +to America, and died somewhere on the banks of the Mississippi. + +The Tamworth Banking Company opened a branch in High Street, opposite +the bottom of Bull Street. It was open as late as 1838, but was +eventually given up, and the premises were occupied by Mrs. Syson as a +hosier's shop, until pulled down for the Great Western Railway tunnel. + +The Borough Bank was promoted by Mr. Goode, of the defunct firm of +Gibbins, Smith, and Goode. It was connected with the Northern and +Central Bank of England. The office was in Bull Street, in the +premises now held by Messrs. J. and B. Smith, Carpet Factors. +This bank was unsuccessful, and when it closed, Mr. Goode opened a +discounting office in the Upper Priory, which proved to be successful. +After a few years, Mr. Goode took as partner his son-in-law, Mr. Marr, +a Scotchman, who had been engaged in an Indian bank for many years. +The firm then became Goode, Marr, and Co., under which designation it +is still carried on. The present proprietor is the son of the Mr. Marr +just named, and is the gentleman upon whom a violent murderous attack +was made in his office a few years ago. Mr. Goode, the courteous +manager of the Birmingham and Midland Bank, is the son of the founder +of this firm. + +It will be remembered that in 1825 the firm of Gibbins, Smith, and Co. +collapsed. As soon as their affairs were arranged, Mr. Gibbins and a +nephew of his, named Lovell, opened a bank in New Street, on the spot +where Mr. Whitehead now has his shop, at the corner of Bennetts Hill. +Here for some two or three years they appear to have done very well; +in fact the business became too large for their capabilities. Some of +the leading men of the town, with the return of prosperity, began to +see that there was ample room for greater banking facilities than +the then existing private banks could provide. Negotiations were +accordingly entered into for the purchase of this business, and +for its conversion into a joint stock bank. Terms were very soon +provisionally settled, and the prospectus of the Birmingham Banking +Company was issued. The capital was fixed at £500,000, in 10,000 +shares of £50 each, of which £5 per share was to be immediately +called up. The list of directors contained, among others, the names +of Charles Shaw, William Chance, Frederic Ledsam, Joseph Gibbins, +and John Mabson. The shares were readily taken by the public, and on +September 1st, 1829, the company commenced operations on the premises +of Gibbins and Lovell. It was decided, however, to build a suitable +banking house, and in a very short time the building standing at the +corner of Waterloo Street was erected. Before removing to the new +bank, the directors made overtures to Mr. Paul Moon James, of the firm +of Galton and Co., which resulted in that bank being closed, and Mr. +James becoming manager of the Banking Company. With such directors, +and with so able and so popular a man for the manager, the progress of +the bank was very rapid, and it soon had the largest banking business +in the town. In a few years the reputation which Mr. James had +obtained as a successful banker induced the directors of a new bank at +Manchester to make him a very lucrative offer. Much to the regret of +his Birmingham directors, and indeed to the whole public of the town, +he accepted the offer, and shortly afterwards removed to Manchester. +He retained the position of manager there until his death. Mr. James +was something more than a mere man of business. He had a cultured +mind, and took a very active part in educational questions. This very +day, on looking over an old book, I found his name as the Birmingham +representative of a leading literary association of my younger days, +the "Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge"--a society which, +with Lord Brougham for chairman and Charles Knight for its most active +member, did much to create good, wholesome, cheap literature, and +published, among many other works, the "Penny Magazine" and the "Penny +Cyclopædia." + +After Mr. James left Birmingham, the directors of the Banking Company +appointed Mr. William Beaumont to be his successor. A Yorkshireman +by birth, he had resided for some time in Wolverhampton, filling a +responsible position in one of the banks there. Mr. Beaumont remained +manager of the Birmingham Banking Company until his death in 1863, +having filled the office for more than a quarter of a century. During +his life the bank had a very high reputation, and paid excellent +dividends. It had squally weather occasionally, of coarse, but it +weathered all storms. It was in great jeopardy in the great panic +of 1837. It held at that time, drawn by one of its customers upon a +Liverpool house, four bills for £20,000 each, and one for £10,000. It +held besides heavy draughts upon the same firm by other houses, +and the acceptors--failing remittances from America--were in great +straits. Mr. Charles Shaw, the chairman of this bank, saw the +Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Governor of the Bank of England, +and averted the impending calamity. But for timely aid, the Liverpool +firm must have stopped, to the ruin of half the country. The bank had +another sharp turn of it from 1842 to 1844, when bar iron fell from +£12 per ton to £6; but it overcame all its difficulties until the +retirement of Mr. Shaw and the death of Mr. Beaumont. + +From this time forward there seems to have been great want of a strong +head and a steady eye amongst the directors. The plausibilities of Mr. +W.H. Beaumont--who had succeeded his father as manager--seem to have +put them off their guard, and they followed where he led until it +ended in ruin. It is useless now to say all one knows, or a quarter of +what has been said; but it has always been my opinion, and always will +be, that if Charles Shaw, or a man with half his courage and ability, +had been at the helm, the Bank would not have closed its doors. Had +they only sought counsel of their larger shareholders, there was +amongst them one man, still living, who not only could, but would, +have saved the bank from shipwreck. + +Few men in Birmingham are likely to forget "Black Saturday," the 14th +of July, 1866. Had a French army suddenly opened a bombardment of +the town from Highgate, it would possibly not have caused greater +astonishment and dismay. That very week shares had been sold on the +Stock Exchange at a high premium; and now, by the culpable weakness +of a few unquestionably honest and well-intentioned gentlemen, the +hard-earned life's savings of aged and infirm men, the sole dependence +of scores of widows and hundreds of orphans, was utterly gone. No +wonder that pious, God-fearing men ground their teeth and muttered +curses, or that women, pale and trembling, tore their hair in wild +terror, while some poor sorrowing creatures sought refuge in suicide. +No wonder that even now, more than eleven years after, the memory of +that day still rises, like a hideous dream, in the minds of thousands. + +I have been shown a copy of a lithographed daily newspaper, printed on +board the "Great Eastern" steamship, then engaged in laying the first +successful Atlantic cable. In the number for July 14th, is an account +of the stoppage of this bank, which had been telegraphed to the ship +in mid-ocean by means of the cable then being submerged. + +Upon full investigation it was ascertained that the total liabilities +amounted to £1,805,469 10s. 5d. All the capital was lost. A call of +£10 per share was made upon the unfortunate shareholders, and the +debts were paid. Some time afterwards the new "limited" company which +had been formed upon the ruins of the defunct bank took over some +unrealised assets, and this resulted in a return of £1 per share, +leaving a clear total loss, taking the shares at the market price, of +£43 per share. + +On Thursday, July 19th, a meeting of the shareholders was held in the +large room at the Exchange, nearly 500 being present. Mr. Edwin Yates, +the Mayor, presided, and in his opening remarks pointed out that the +resuscitation of the bank was impossible, for various reasons which +he mentioned. The discussion which followed was marked by great +moderation. There was little excitement, and not much expression of +angry feeling. Mr. William Holliday, in a very masterly speech of +great length, showed the difficulties in the way of reviving the +bank, and suggested that the only way of saving the property of the +shareholders, was by the establishment of a new bank on the ruins +of the old, the shareholders in which were to have priority in the +allotment of shares. This, having, been discussed by several speakers, +was eventually decided upon, and a committee was appointed to carry +the resolutions into effect. + +The new bank, under the name of the "Birmingham Banking Company +Limited," was formed with all speed. Josiah Mason--then plain +Mister--was the first chairman, and Mr. T.F. Shaw manager. The shares +"came out" at a small premium, from which they gradually rose. From +that time it has gone on steadily and surely. It has secured a good +_clientèle_, and is doing a large and profitable, business. It pays +good dividends, and its shares stand well in the market. Mr. Shaw +retired, from "continued ill health," in May, 1876. Mr. P.W. Walker +was appointed manager _pro tem._, and at the end of the year, Mr. +James Leigh, who had been manager of the Birmingham branch of the +Worcester Bank, took the helm. May the bank under his guidance have, +_fortitudine et prudentia_, a long career of prosperity and usefulness +before it! + +I shall now have to go back again to the year 1836. At this time trade +was good and everything looked prosperous. Mr. Geach, who was still a +clerk in the Bank of England, conceived the idea of starting a fresh +bank, and having secured the adhesion of a few influential men, the +prospectus was issued of the Town and District Bank, capital £500,000, +in 25,000 shares of £20 each. The shares were taken up readily, and +the branch commenced business in Colmore Row, on the 1st of July, +1836. The directors were Messrs. George Bacchus (chairman), Edward +Armfield, George J. Green, George C. Lingham, John G. Reeves, Josiah +Richards, and Philip Williams. + +Although the bank had been started entirely through the exertions of +Mr. Geach, who naturally expected to be appointed the manager, he was +left out in the cold, and the appointment fell upon Mr. Bassett Smith. +This gentleman had been a clerk to the firm of Gibbins, Smith, and +Co., until their stoppage, and he afterwards was manager of a bank at +Walsall, which appointment he threw up when he came to the District +Bank. He held his position as manager here for many years, but was +eventually induced to retire; He certainly was not a great banking +genius. He was led more by impulse and feeling than by sound business +judgment and coolness, and he often made mistakes in his estimate +of the customers. Some--whom he liked--would "get on" easily enough, +while others, equally worthy of attention, might ask in vain for +slight accommodation. Nor was his manner judicious. I was in the +bank one day, when a highly respectable man brought some bills to the +counter to be placed to his account. The clerk took them to Mr. Smith, +who was near the counter; he turned them over in his hand, and giving +them back to the clerk, with a contemptuous gesture, said, loud enough +to be heard by everyone there, "No!--a thousand times no!" Had the +customer been a swindler he could not have been treated with greater +insult and contumely. It was a fortunate thing for the bank when Mr. +Barney became manager. From that time the bank has assumed its proper +position. Under its new designation of the "Birmingham and Dudley +District Banking Company" it has taken rapid strides. There is every +reason now for thinking it is highly prosperous, and is likely to have +a future of great use and profit. The new premises are an ornament to +an ornamental part of the town, and are very conveniently arranged; +but to people with weak eyes, the light from the windows, glaring in +the face as one stands at the counter, is most unpleasant, and some +steps to modify its effect might be judiciously taken. + +Immediately after Mr. Bassett Smith had been appointed manager of the +District Bank, some gentlemen, amongst whom Mr. Gammon, of Belmont +Row, was very prominent, thinking that in all fairness Mr. Geach +should have been elected, seeing that he was the originator of +the scheme, and had done the greater part of the preliminary work, +determined to form another bank. There was to be no mistake this time, +for Mr. Geach's name was inserted in the prospectus as the future +manager. He was at this time only 28 years of age. He had been +resident but a very few years in the town, but had already the +reputation of being one of the most able young men in the place. His +manners, too, were singularly agreeable. On the faith of his name, the +public readily took up the necessary number of shares. So great was +the energy employed, that in seven weeks from the opening of the +District Bank, its competitor, the Birmingham and Midland Bank, had +commenced business. + +Having been so long in the office of the Bank of England, in Union +Street, the young manager naturally thought it the best locality for +the new bank; and as there was a large shop vacant in that street, a +few doors below Union Passage, on the right-hand side going down, it +was taken, and in these temporary premises the bank commenced, on the +23rd of August, 1836, its prosperous and most useful career. + +Mr. Robert Webb was the first Chairman of the Board of Directors; Mr. +Thomas Bolton, merchant, of New Street, was one of the most active +members. Mr. Samuel Beale, after a time, joined the board, and was +very energetic. He soon formed a friendship for the manager which only +terminated with life. Mr. Henry Edmunds, who so recently retired +from the post of managing director, but who still holds a seat at the +board, was sub-manager from the opening; and Mr. Goode, who now fills +the manager's seat, went there as a clerk at the same time. + +The tact and energy of the manager, and the shrewd business capacity +of the directors, soon secured a very large business. In a very short +time the building now held by the Conservative Club, which the bank +had erected a little higher up the street, was occupied, and here the +business was conducted for more than twenty-five years. The building +included a very commodious residence for the manager, and here Mr. +Geach took up his abode with his family. + +During the preliminary disturbances in 1839, which culminated in the +Bull Ring riots, Mr. Geach received private information one afternoon, +which induced him to take extra precautions for the safety of the +books, securities, and cash. While this was being done, the clerks had +collected a number of men and some arms. They also obtained, and took +to the roof, a great quantity of stones, bricks, and other missiles, +which they stored behind the parapets. The men were so placed, that +by mounting an inner stair they could ascend to the roof, from which +spot, it was proposed, in case of attack, to hurl the missiles upon +the mob below. News was soon brought that the mob was congregating +in Dale End and that neighbourhood. At the request of some of the +magistrates who were present, Mr. Geach started off for the barracks, +galloping through the mob, who threw showers of stones, brick-ends, +and other disagreeable missiles at him, and shouted, "Stop him," "Pull +him off," "He's going for the soldiers," and so on. His horse was a +spirited one, and took him safely through. He reached the barracks and +secured assistance. He then came back by another route to the bank, +and the expected attack was averted. There is no doubt that +his energetic conduct that day saved the town from violence and +spoliation. + +It is not my intention in this paper to sketch the character of Mr. +Geach. I have now only to deal with him in reference to the bank, +which he so ably managed, and in which down to his death he felt the +warmest interest. About 1839 or 1840 he began to engage in commercial +transactions on his own account, and these growing upon him and +requiring much of his personal attention, he, about 1846 or 1847, +resigned his position as manager, and was succeeded by his old friend +and colleague, Mr. Henry Edmunds. Mr. Geach, however, though no longer +engaged in the active management, was appointed managing director, +and in this capacity was generally consulted on all the more important +matters. + +Mr. Edmunds is a man of altogether different type to his predecessor. +Mr. Geach had been bold in his management, to a degree which in less +skilful hands might have been perilous to his employers. Mr. Edmunds's +principal characteristic, as a manager, was excessive caution. But, +although so utterly varying in character, both men were peculiarly +fitted for their post at the time they were in power. Boldness and +vigour gave the bank a large connection, and established an extensive +business. Caution and carefulness were quite as essential in the times +during which Mr. Edmunds guided the destinies of the bank. In that +speculative period of twenty-five years, his prudence and cool +judgment were valuable qualities, and they served good ends, for the +"Midland," under Mr. Edmunds, was pre-eminently a "lucky" bank. He had +no occasion for the more brilliant qualities of his predecessor; the +bank was offered more business than it cared for; and his caution +and hesitation saved his directors much trouble, and his shareholders +considerable loss. + +As in process of years the business increased, the old premises were +found to be too small, and the directors contemplated enlargement. +Some energetic spirits on the board advocated the erection of a new +building. It was debated for some time, but it finally resulted in +the erection of the present palatial banking house at the corner of +Stephenson Place. It is no secret that Mr. Edmunds disapproved of the +step, and, indeed, at the dinner given to celebrate the opening of the +new premises, he expressed, in plain terms, his opinion that they +had made a mistake, and that they had better have remained where they +were. + +Be that as it may, the business was removed to New Street in 1869, at +which time, I believe, Mr. Samuel Buckley was Chairman of the Board of +Directors. One can imagine the satisfactory feelings of his mind as +he reflected that within a very few yards of the magnificent bank, +of which he was then the head, he, comparatively unknown, took years +before a situation in the warehouse of a merchant, Mr. Thomas Bolton, +which then stood on the site of the Midland Hotel. In this business +Mr. Buckley rapidly rose in the estimation of his employer, becoming, +first his partner, and subsequently his successor. The business, when +the old premises were required for other purposes, was removed first +to Newhall Hill, and finally to Great Charles Street, where it is +still carried on as Samuel Buckley and Co. + +Shortly before the removal to New Street, Mr. Edmunds began to wish +for a less laborious position. Following the precedent in Mr. +Geach's case, he was made managing director, and Mr. Goode took the +well-earned position of manager. This arrangement existed until about +twelve months ago, when Mr. Edmunds retired altogether from the active +administration of the business. He retained, however, a seat at the +board as one of the ordinary directors. On this occasion, the board, +with the sanction of the shareholders, to mark their sense, of his +admirable judgment and unceasing industry, voted him a retiring +pension of £1,000 a year. His portrait now hangs in the board-room at +the bank, near that of his friend, Mr. Geach. May the walls of this +room, in the future, be adorned by the "counterfeit presentment" of +successive managers as good and true as these two, the pioneers, have +proved themselves! + +Mr. Goode's qualifications for the post he occupies are not only +hereditary, but are supplemented by the experience of more than forty +years in this bank, under the able guidance of the two colleagues who +have preceded him. His acute perceptions and great financial skill +qualify him admirably for the post, whilst his undeviating courtesy +has made him very popular, and has gained for him "troops of friends." + +Notwithstanding the enormous increase in the business of the town and +neighbourhood, there was no other bank established in Birmingham for +more than twenty-five years. One reason, probably, was that, by a +clause in an Act of Parliament, it was made incumbent upon all banks +established after it became law, to publish periodical statements of +their affairs. This seemed to many shrewd men to be an obstacle to +the success of any new bank, although it was felt that there was ample +room for one. The passing of the Limited Liability Act opened the way. +It was seen that by fixing the nominal capital very high, and calling +up only a small portion of its amount, there would always be so large +a margin of uncalled capital, that the periodical publication of +assets and liabilities could alarm no one. Taking this view, and +seeing the probability of a successful career for a new banking +institution, a few far-seeing men--notably the late Messrs. John +Graham and Henry Clive--soon attached to themselves a number of +influential colleagues, and at the latter end of 1861 the prospectus +of the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank was issued. Mr. G.F. Muntz was +chairman, Mr. Thomas Short, vice-chairman, and Messrs. John Graham, +H. Clive, R. Fletcher, J.S. Keep, W. Middlemore, C.H. Wagner, and W.A. +Adams were directors. The capital, to the required extent, was eagerly +subscribed. Mr. Joseph Beattie, of London, was appointed manager, +and the bank opened its doors, in Temple Row West, on New Tear's Day, +1862. + +The directors, at their preliminary meetings, had come to some very +wise resolutions, having for their tendency the creation of public +confidence in the good management and complete stability of the new +venture. One of these was that no one of the directors could at any +time, or under any circumstances, overdraw his account at the bank. +Recollections of what had been done aforetime showed the public +the wisdom of this step, and the shares became consequently in good +demand, and soon reached a fair premium. The directors, with great +judgment, had made a large reserve of unallotted shares, and now +that they had become a popular investment, they offered them to large +traders at par, on condition of their opening accounts at the new +bank. Other inducements were held out to attract business, and in a +very short time the bank was doing at least as large a business as +some of its competitors. + +The appointment of Mr. Beattie was a most judicious one. He is, +unquestionably, a very able man of business; and his untiring energy +and perseverance are very remarkable, even in these days of hard work. +Under such management, and with so good a board of directors at his +back, it is no wonder that the bank now occupies a foremost place +amongst its fellows. + +The Worcester City and County Bank is the last, but it bids fairly +to become by no means the least, amongst the banks of the town. The +parent bank was established in Worcester in 1840. It was a prosperous +and successful local bank of no great celebrity until the failure of +Messrs. Farley and Co., of Kidderminster, in 1856. The directors +then opened a branch establishment in that town, which was successful +beyond expectation. Encouraged by this, they afterwards opened +branches at Atherstone, Bridgnorth, Bromsgrove, Cheltenham, Droitwich, +Evesham, Ludlow, Leominster, Presteign, Malvern, and Tenbury, and in +1872 they resolved to establish a bank at Birmingham. Lloyds and Co. +had just removed from Moilliet's old premises in Cherry Street, to +their new bank, in Ann Street, and, rather unwisely, left the old +place in Cherry Street to be let to the first comer. The Worcester +company became the tenants, and opened their bank in 1872, under the +management of Mr. J.H. Slaney. This gentleman retired in about twelve +months, and was succeeded by Mr. James Leigh, the present manager of +the Birmingham Banking Company. When he accepted his present post, Mr. +F.W. Nash took the helm. The bank seems, in the short time it has been +established, to have been very successful, for the premises, after +having been twice enlarged, are, it is said, now too small; and it +is understood that a plot of land in Ann Street, near the corner of +Newhall Street, has been secured, and that Mr. F.B. Osborne is engaged +upon plans for the erection, on this site, of a new banking house, +which will be no mean rival to those already in existence, adding +another fine architectural structure to the splendid line of edifices +which will soon be complete from the Town Hall to Snow Hill. + +There only remains one more bank to mention, and I cannot remember its +name. It was opened some ten or twelve years ago in the tall building +at the west corner of Warwick House Passage, now occupied by Mr. +Hollingsworth. It was under the management of Mr. Edwin Wignall, who +had been sub-manager at the District. It had but a short life. The +careful manner in which the stone pavement of the vestibule and the +steps leading from the street were cleaned and whitened every morning, +and the few footmarks made by customers going in and coming out, +gained for it the name of the "Clean Bank," by which title it will +be remembered by many. The business that had been collected was +transferred to the Midland, and the New Street bank was closed. + +My sketch of the Birmingham Banks is now complete. It is very +satisfactory to reflect that in the long space of sixty-three years +over which it ranges, there have been only two cases in which the +creditors of Birmingham banks have suffered loss; and really it is +greatly to the credit of the good old town that these losses have +been, comparatively, so insignificant. In the bankruptcy of Gibbins +and Co., in 1825, the creditors received 19s. 8d. in the pound. In the +more recent case--that of Attwood and Co.--they received a dividend +of 11s. 3d. Both these cases compare favourably with others at a +distance, where dividends of one or two shillings have not been +infrequent. The banking business of the town is now in safe and +prudent hands, and there is strong reason for hoping that the several +institutions may go on, with increasing usefulness and prosperity, to +a time long after the present generation of traders has ceased to draw +cheques, or existing shareholders to calculate upon coming dividends. + +As I stood, not long ago, within the splendid hall in which the +Birmingham and Midland Bank carries on its business, my mind reverted +to a visit I once paid, to the premises, in the City of Gloucester, +of the first county bank established in England. Perhaps in all the +differences between bygone and modern times, there could not be found +a greater contrast. The old Gloucester Bank was established in the +year 1716, by the grandfather of the celebrated "Jemmy Wood," who died +in 1836, leaving personal property sworn under £900,000. Soon after +his death, I saw the house and "Bank," where he had carried on his +business of a "banker and merchant." The house was an old one, the +gables fronting the street. The upper windows were long and low, and +were glazed with the old lead-framed diamond-shaped panes of dark +green glass. The ground-floor was lighted by two ancient shop windows, +having heavy wooden sashes glazed with panes about nine inches high by +six wide. To the sill of each window, hung upon hinges, were long deal +shutters, which were lifted up at night, and fastened with "cotters." +There were two or three well-worn steps to the entrance. The door +was divided half-way up: the upper portion stood open during business +hours, and the lower was fastened by a common thumb latch. To the +ledge of the door inside, a bell was attached by a strip of iron +hooping, which vibrated when the door was opened, and set the bell +ringing to attract attention. The interior fittings were of the most +simple fashion; common deal counters with thin oaken tops; shabby +drawers and shelves all round; one or two antiquated brass sconces for +candles; a railed-off desk, near the window; and that was all. In this +place, almost alone and unassisted, the old man made his money. I +copy the following from "Maunder's Biographical Dictionary:" "In +conjunction with the bank, he kept a shop to the day of his death, and +dealt in almost every article that could be asked for. Nothing was too +trifling for 'Jemmy Wood' by which a penny could be turned. He spent +the whole week in his banking-shop or shop-bank, and the whole of the +business of the Old Gloucester Bank was carried on at one end of his +chandlery store." + +Now-a-days we go to a palace to cash a cheque. We pass through a +vestibule between polished granite monoliths, or adorned with choice +marble sculpture in _alto-relievo_. We enter vast halls fit for the +audience chambers of a monarch, and embellished with everything that +the skill of the architect can devise. We stand at counters of the +choicest polished mahogany, behind which we see scores of busy clerks, +the whole thing having an appearance of absolute splendour. Prom Jemmy +Wood's shop to the noble hall of the Midland, or the Joint Stock, is +indeed a long step in advance. + +It has often occurred to me that it would be a wise plan for bankers +to divide their counters into distinct compartments, so that one +customer could see nothing of his next neighbour, and hear nothing of +his business. The transactions at a bank are often of as delicate a +nature as the matters discussed in a solicitor's office; yet the one +is secret and safe, and the other is open to the gaze and the ear of +any one who happens to be at the bank at the same time. + +In closing this subject, I wish to express my thanks to Mr. S.A. +Goddard for his assistance. His great age, his acute powers of +perception, and his marvellously retentive and accurate memory, +combine to make him, probably, the only living competent witness of +some of the circumstances I have been able to detail; while the ready +manner in which he responded to my request for information merits my +warmest and most grateful acknowledgments. + + + + +JOHN WALSH WALSH AND THE ASTON FÊTES. + + +No one possessing ordinary habits of observation can have lived in +Birmingham for anything like forty years without being conscious of +the extraordinary difference between the personal and social habits of +the generation which is passing away, and of that which has arisen +to succeed it. Now-a-days, as soon as business is over, Birmingham +people--professional men, manufacturers, shopkeepers, and, indeed, all +the well-to-do classes--hurry off by rail, by tramway, or by omnibus, +to snug country homesteads, where their evenings are spent by their +own firesides in quiet domestic intercourse. A generation ago, things +in Birmingham were very different. Then, shopkeepers lived "on the +premises," and manufacturers, as a rule, had their dwelling houses +in close proximity to their factories. Business, compared with its +present condition, was in a very primitive state. Manufacturers worked +at their business with their men, beginning with them in the morning +and leaving off at the same hour at night. The warehouse closed, and +the work of the day being over, the "master" would doff his apron, +roll down his turned-up shirt sleeves, put on his second-best coat, +and sally forth to his usual smoking-room. Here, in company with a +few old cronies, he solaced himself with a modest jug of ale, and, +lighting his clay pipe, proceeded with great solemnity to enjoy +himself. But, one by one, the _habitués_ of the old smoking rooms have +gone to "live in the country," and the drowsy, dreary rooms, becoming +deserted, have, for the most part, been applied to other purposes; +whilst in many of those that are left, the smoke-stained portrait +of some bygone landlord looks down upon the serried ranks of empty +chairs, as if bewailing the utter degeneracy of modern mankind. + +The room at the "Woodman," in Easy Row, is an exception, for it still +maintains its ground. It is a large, well-lighted, and well-ventilated +apartment. Its walls are adorned with a number of good pictures, among +which are well-executed life-size portraits of two eminent men--James +Watt, the engineer, and Sir Joshua Reynolds, the father of the +English school of painting. In this room, years ago, when the sunny, +courteous, and humorous "Jem Onions" was the host, a number of notable +men used to assemble. Here you might meet men who at that time, or +since, have been known as mayors, alder-men, and councillors. Here, +"Blue-brick Walker" first propounded his scheme for superseding the +"petrified kidney" pavement. Here "Wedding-ring Edwards," in his +quaint, sententious manner, growled out brief epigrammatic sentences, +full of shrewdness and wisdom, most strangely seasoned with +semi-contemptuous sarcasm. Here Isherwood Sutcliff, with his +well-dressed, dapper figure, and his handsome Roman face, was wont to +air his oratory; and here occasionally he, placing his right foot +upon a spittoon, would deliver himself of set orations; most carefully +prepared; most elegantly phrased; copiously garnished with Byronic +quotations; and delivered with considerable grace and fervour. These +orations, however, having no basis of thought or force of argument, +and, indeed, having nothing but their sensuous beauty of expression to +recommend them, fell flat upon the ears of an unsympathetic audience, +composed mainly of men whose brains were larger and of tougher fibre. +Here, too, came occasionally the mighty and the omniscient Joe Allday, +and when he did, the discussion sometimes became a little more than +animated, the self-assertive Joe making the room ring again, as he +denounced the practices of those who ruled the destinies of the town. +Here one night, lifting his right hand on high, as if to appeal to +Heaven, he assured his audience that they "need not be afraid." He +would "_never_ betray the people of Birmingham!" Here, too, last, +but certainly not least in any way, might almost nightly be seen +the towering figure of John Walsh Walsh: his commanding stature; +his massive head, with its surrounding abundant fringe of wavy hair, +looking like a mane; his mobile face, his bright--almost fierce--eye; +his curt, incisive, and confident style of speech, showing him to be, +beyond all question, the most masterful and prominent member of the +company. + +He was born at Mansfield, in Nottinghamshire. His peculiar double +patronymic was the result of a curious mistake made by one of the +sponsors at his baptism. Being asked in the usual way to "name this +child," the poor man, in his nervousness, gave, not only the intended +name of John, but inadvertently, the surname also; and so the infant +became John Walsh Walsh, a name which its owner used to say was worth +hundreds a year to him in business. "Anybody could be 'John Walsh,' +but 'John Walsh Walsh' was unique, and once heard would never be +forgotten." + +Coming to Birmingham in pre-railway times, he found his first +employment in the office of Pickford and Co., the great carrying firm. +Here his marvellous energy, his quickness of apprehension, his +mastery of detail, his accuracy of calculation, and his rapidity as +a correspondent, soon raised him to a good position. He had, however, +higher aims, and having the sagacity to foresee that the use of +aërated beverages, which had just been introduced, must soon become +general, he left the office and commenced the manufacture of soda +water, a business which he successfully carried on as long as he +lived, and which is still continued in his name by his successors. +This business fairly afloat, his energies sought further outlet, and +he soon, in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Nelson, commenced +at Leamington the manufacture, by a patent process, of artificial +isinglass and gelatine. This business, too, was successful and is +still in operation, Nelson's gelatine being known all over the world. +Besides these, he had a mustard mill, was an extensive dealer in +cigars, and for many years was associated with the late Mr. Jefferies +in the manufacture of marine glue. About 1851 he took over an +unsuccessful co-operative glass manufactory in Hill Street, which his +vigorous management soon converted into a great success. The business +growing beyond the capabilities of the premises, he removed it to the +extensive works at Lodge Road, where he continued to conduct it until +his death, and where it is still carried on by his executors for the +benefit of his family. + +He was for some years a member of the Birmingham Town Council, and was +one of its hardest workers. Much might be said of the energetic manner +in which he opposed all weakness in action, and of the manly vigour +of his advocacy of all schemes for the benefit of the town of his +adoption. It will be especially remembered how hard he worked to +induce the Council to buy Aston Park for the town, when its price was +low, and how he used to chafe at the thought that double the present +area of the park might have been purchased, for less money than +was ultimately paid for the portion now held. In the Council, as +everywhere else, the strange influence he could bring to bear upon +other men, and the power he possessed of infusing a portion of his +own superabundant energy into the minds of others, was continually +manifested; and he will long be remembered in the Council Chamber as +one of the most original thinkers, and one of the shrewdest observers, +that ever sat upon its benches. + +But his name will, probably, be longer held in remembrance in +connection with the colossal fêtes at Aston Park, in 1856, of which +he was the originator, and to the success of which he devoted himself +with untiring energy and unwearied industry. The idea of the fêtes +originated at the "Woodman" on an evening in the spring of 1856. The +room, on this occasion, was nearly full; Walsh occupied the principal +seat. Not far from him was the versatile, erudite, somewhat dogmatic, +but always courteous and polite, John Cornforth. There too, was +Ambrose Biggs, who since, as Mayor, so fully justified the choice +the Corporation made when they elected him to be their head. Nearly +opposite was seen the gentlemanlike figure of poor Joseph Collins, +whose untimely death, a few years later, created an intense feeling of +sorrow in the minds of all who knew him. The worthy host, Jem Onions, +occupied his usual seat. At a short distance was seen the upright +figure and full round face of genial, but somewhat fussy, George Tye, +his countenance beaming with good nature, and his eye bright with the +light of poetic and artistic intelligence; and there also were many +others, whose names I cannot at this moment recall. + +The conversation that night was more than usually animated, and +was carried on with much propriety and intelligence. Walsh led a +discussion on the folly of the Corporation in refusing to buy a +portion of Aston Park, including the Hall, which had been offered to +them, as he said, "dirt cheap." Biggs, a little way off, took up +a subject with which he was more intimately connected--the Queen's +Hospital, whose financial affairs, just then, were in a lamentable +state of collapse. One set of talkers in the room were intent upon the +one topic; at the other end, the other subject was uppermost. Thus the +two matters became somewhat "mixed up" in the ear of a listener, and +thus they suddenly jostled together in the mind of Walsh. All in a +moment the thought arose--"Why not borrow the park and give a +pic-nic for the hospital?" With him, such a matter required little +consideration; with him, to conceive was to act. In a few minutes he +was on his legs, and at some length, with considerable eloquence and +characteristic energy, he, amid the rapt attention of the company, +propounded the scheme which had suggested itself. He was followed by +other speakers; the scheme was rapturously received by the audience; +it was unanimously resolved that if the use of the park could be +obtained, the fête should be held; a deputation was appointed to wait +upon the proprietors of the park; and a provisional committee, with +Mr. Walsh as chairman, was elected to carry out the preliminaries. + +No time was lost. In a few days the desired permission to hold a fête +in the park was obtained. Other gentlemen joined in the movement, and +a large and influential permanent committee was formed. Walsh took up +the matter with his usual energy and with most sanguine views. +This was to be no _mere pic-nic_ now! It was to be such a fête as +Birmingham had never witnessed, and would not readily forget. The +attractions were to be such as would draw people, from all quarters. +The preparations were to be on the most gigantic scale, and the +result was estimated by Walsh at a clear gain of £250 or £300 to the +hospital. Some of the more cautious thought the scheme a little wild, +and on far too extensive a scale for success; but the indomitable +chairman, who had fully considered the _pros_ and _cons_, threw into +the movement the whole force of his almost superhuman energy, and +carried conviction to the minds of the most timid of his colleagues. +The scheme was enthusiastically resolved upon, although, as Walsh +said, after the fêtes were over, "Some of us were actually frightened +at what we had undertaken." + +The fête was to be held on the 28th of July. It fell on a Monday. By +common consent business was to be suspended. As the day approached, +it became obvious, from the enormous demand for the tickets, that the +attendance would far exceed the expectations of the most sanguine. +Another 25,000 tickets were ordered from the printer, by telegraph. +The refreshment contractors were advised of the vastly increased +number of hungry customers they might expect. Bakers were set to work +to provide hundreds of additional loaves. Orders were given for an +extra ton or two of sandwiches. Scores more barrels of ale and porter +came slowly into the park, where, within fenced enclosures, they +were piled, two or three high, in double lines. Crates upon crates of +tumblers, earthenware mugs, and plates arrived. Soda water, lemonade, +and ginger beer were provided in countless grosses, and in fact +everything for the comfort and convenience of visitors that the most +careful forethought could suggest, was provided in the most lavish +profusion. + +At length the day arrived. The weather was delightfully fine. The +village of Aston was gaily decorated; the Royal Standard floated from +the steeple, and the bells chimed out in joyous melody. The quaint +Elizabethan gateway to the park was gay with unaccustomed bunting. +The sober old Hall had a sudden eruption of colour, such as it had +probably never known before. Flags of all colours, and with strange +devices, met the eye at every turn. Waggon after waggon, laden with +comestibles, filed slowly into the park. The rushing to and fro of +waiters and other attendants showed that they expected a busy day +of it. As noon approached, train after train deposited at the Aston +station hundreds and thousands of gaily-attired Black Country people. +Special trains ran from New Street as fast as they could be got +in order; all the approaches to the park were crammed with serried +lines--three or four abreast--of omnibuses, waggons, cabs, carts, and +every other imaginable vehicle; whilst thousands upon thousands of +dusty pedestrians jostled each other in the crowded roads. Fast as +the ticket and money collectors could pass them through the gates, +continuous streams poured on for hours, until at length the number +of persons within the grounds exceeded the enormous total of fifty +thousands! + +The old Hall was thrown open, and hundreds of people strolled through +its quaint rooms and noble galleries. The formal gardens were +noisy with unaccustomed merriment. From the terrace one looked +upon preparations for amusements, and old English games of all +descriptions. Platforms for dancing, and pavilions for musicians, +stood here and there. Beyond, in the valley, a long range of poles and +skeleton forms showed where the fireworks were in preparation. Down in +a corner stood a large stack of firewood through which, when lighted, +the "Fire-King" was to pass uninjured. Swings, merry-go-rounds, and +Punch and Judy shows were rare attractions for the young; and soon +the whole of that enormous assemblage of people, in the sunlight of a +glorious July day, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. + +Suddenly, in one corner, there arose a deep-toned murmur, like the +sound of the roaring of the waves upon a broken shore. It deepened +in tone and increased in volume, until the whole area of the park +was filled with this strange sound. It was the noise of laughter +proceeding simultaneously from fifty thousand throats! From a +mysterious-looking shed in the valley opposite the terrace, Mr. John +Inshaw and some of his friends had just launched a balloon, shaped +like an enormous pig! Piggy rose majestically over that vast sea of +upturned faces, which he seemed to regard with much attention. But at +length, apparently disgusted at being so much laughed at, he started +off in the direction of Coleshill, and, to the intense amusement of +everybody, persisted in travelling tail foremost. + +All classes were represented at the fête. Here you might see a group +of well-dressed folks from Edgbaston, next some pale-faced miners from +the Black Country, and then the nut-brown faces of some agricultural +people. All seemed intent upon fun and pleasure, and so, throughout +that long summer day, the crowd increased, and every one seemed to be +in a state of absolute enjoyment. + +As evening wore on, other sources of interest arose. The famous +Sycamore Avenue--now, alas, going fast to decay--was lighted up +by innumerable coloured lamps. I am old enough to remember the +illuminations of the famous Vauxhall Gardens in London, but I never +saw there so fairylike a scene as that glorious old avenue at Aston +presented that evening. + +Then came the fireworks! No such display had ever before been seen in +the Midland Counties. The nights of rockets, the marvellously-ingenious +set pieces, and the wonderful blue lights, gave intense delight; and the +grand chorus of "Oh! Oh! Oh!" when any specially brilliant effect was +produced, was something not to be easily forgotten; but the climax was +reached when, as a finale, the words + + SAVE ASTON HALL + +came out in glowing fire. Then the people shouted and applauded as +if they were frantic. And so, amid the gratulations of everybody, the +first of the Aston Fêtes came to an end. + +No sooner was the fête over, than a clamour arose as to the disposal +of the profit. It was argued that as the money raised had so far +exceeded expectation, it ought, in fairness, to be divided between +the two hospitals. Correspondence in the newspapers became warm, and +almost angry. Walsh was pestered with all sorts of suggestions, and +a deputation waited upon him, urging the "claims" of the General +Hospital. Walsh received them with politeness, but with reticence, and +they left dissatisfied. It was a difficulty, but Walsh was equal to +it. Summoning his committee, he urged that the fête having been given +for a specific purpose, that purpose must be fulfilled, and the whole +sum must go to the Queen's. "But," said he, "I'll tell you what we can +do: we can give a good round sum on account to the Queen's, and we can +get up another fête for the General." A bomb-shell could hardly have +created greater astonishment, and the project, at first, was met with +disfavour. It was thought that it would not "do" a second time; that +the novelty of the affair was over; that people would not go twice; +and that the result would be a failure. Walsh urged that what had been +done had only "whetted the appetite" of the public; that thousands +regretted not having been present; and that the result would be +certain success. His energetic advocacy carried the point, and before +the committee separated, a second fête, to be held on September 15th, +was resolved upon. + +Meanwhile, it was resolved to hand over a cheque for £1,500, on +account, to the Queen's Hospital, which was accordingly done; and on +the 22nd of August, at a meeting of the Council of the Hospital, at +which Alderman Ratcliff presided, it was resolved (_inter alia_) +that Walsh should be elected a Life Governor; that a marble tablet +recording the event should be erected in the vestibule of the +hospital; and that a dinner should be given to the chairman, officers, +and committee of the fête, such dinner to take place at the "Woodman," +where the fête originated. The dinner subsequently took place, +under the presidency of the late Mr. Thomas Upfill. It was stated +incidentally that the total receipts amounted to £2,222 12s. 5d.; that +donations had been received by the Fête Committee amounting to £93 +13s.; and that they had secured annual subscriptions amounting to £26 +14s. 6d. + +Pending these matters, Walsh and his friends had not been idle. +Preparations for the second fête were commenced, and energetically +urged forward. Guided by experience, the work was somewhat less +laborious, but the dread of failure made the committee doubly anxious. +Just before, there had been great rejoicing in London to celebrate +the peace with Russia, and there had been a magnificent display of +fireworks in Hyde Park. It was known that a considerable quantity, +unused on that occasion, still lay in store at Woolwich Arsenal. Walsh +opened a correspondence with the authorities; went to London; and +finally induced the Government, not only to make a free grant of +the fireworks, but to send down a staff of skilled pyrotechnists to +superintend the display at the fête. Additional attractions in great +abundance were provided. The Festival Choral Society promised its +assistance, and everything augured well, if only the weather should be +fine. + +Monday, September 15th, came at last. Fortunately, it was a very +beautiful autumnal day. Nearly all the shops in the town were closed, +and everybody talked of the fête. As the day wore on, the excitement +became intense. The town literally emptied itself into Aston Park. A +newspaper of the time, says, "from the corner of Dale End to the park, +the road was one continued procession of cabs, carts, and omnibuses, +four abreast." Trains disgorged their thousands, and from far and +near the people came pouring in, until, to the utter amazement of +everybody, the park was considerably fuller than on the previous +occasion, and the total number of visitors was estimated to be at +least 90,000. + +Walsh was in his glory. With triumphant glee he mounted a chair on +the terrace, and began a short speech, with the words, "We're a great +people, gentlemen; we're a great people." He then went on to say that +he was "going to turn auctioneer," and a huge clothes basket full of +grapes--the entire contents of one of his own forcing houses--being +brought to him, he proceeded in the most facetious manner to offer +them, bunch by bunch, for sale, and he realised in this way a very +large addition to the funds of the fête. + +But space fails, and the account of this, the second fête, must only +record that in every respect it was a success; that, over and above +the prodigious number of tickets that had been sold, the enormous +sum of £1,200 was taken _at the gates_ for admission; and that, +financially as well as numerically, it far exceeded its predecessor. + +It only remains to add, that four days afterwards, Messrs. Walsh, +Cornforth, Biggs, and Collins attended the Board Meeting of the +General Hospital, and handed over a cheque for £1,700 on account; +that at the next committee meeting it was resolved that the aggregate +results of both fêtes should be ascertained, and that the amount of +the entire profits of both should be divided in equal moieties between +the two hospitals. + +So ended the great Aston Fêtes, the memory of which, and their +financial results, will be perpetuated by the marble slab at the +Queen's Hospital, which bears the following inscription-- + + This Tablet records + that a Committee of Manufacturers and Tradesmen + of Birmingham + projected and carried out, on their own responsibility, + the two Fêtes Champêtre, which took place at Aston Hall and Park, + on the 28th day of July and the 15th day of September, 1856, + in aid, and towards the support and improvement, + of the Queen's and General Hospitals of the town, + by which they realised (after the payment of £1,663 3s. 2d. for + expenses) the sum of £5,054 12s. 4d., + which was equally divided between the two institutions. + + JOHN WALSH WALSH, Chairman } + JOHN CORNFORTH, Vice-Chairman } of the + AMBROSE BIGGS, Secretary } Fêtes Committee. + JOSH. THOMAS COLLINS, Treasurer } + +The late Prince Consort, who was President of the Queen's Hospital, +caused copies of the tablet to be prepared for presentation to each of +the four gentlemen named, and to Mr. Onions, at whose house the fêtes +originated. Each copy bears the autograph signature of the Prince. I +saw one the other day, occupying a place of honour in the house of its +possessor, who showed it to me with manly pride, as a memento of his +share in the work of the great Aston Fêtes. + + + + +G.F. MUNTZ, M.P. + + +The second Parliament of Queen Victoria was dissolved July 23rd, 1847. +Mr. Muntz had represented Birmingham in both, having been elected on +the retirement of Mr. Attwood, in January, 1840, and re-elected at the +general election in July, 1841. It was customary in Birmingham, before +the passing of the last Reform Bill, to hold, on the eve of elections, +a meeting of non-electors, in order that the working men, then outside +the franchise, should have a "voice," although they had no vote, in +the choice of the Members for Birmingham. From 1844 Mr. Spooner had +represented the town, but on this occasion the Liberal electors were +determined, if possible, to eject him. Mr. William Scholefield opposed +his re-election. There was another candidate, Mr. Sergeant Allen, but +as he only polled 89 votes he may, for the present purpose, be left +out of the question. The contest lay between Mr. Spooner and Mr. +Scholefield. The leaders of the Liberal party naturally supposed +that the candidature of Mr. Scholefield would have the support of +Mr. Muntz, and that the two Liberal candidates would be able to work +together, having a joint committee. To the astonishment of the whole +town, Mr. Muntz resolutely declined to have anything to do with Mr. +Scholefield or his friends. Upon this becoming known, there was great +dismay in the Liberal camp, and Mr. Muntz became very unpopular. All +kinds of proposals were made to induce him to change his mind, but he +remained obstinate, and, in addition, stubbornly refused to canvass +for himself, or to allow his friends to canvass in his name. + +Matters stood thus when the meeting of non-electors was held in the +Town Hall. It was a very hot afternoon, and the hall was crammed. +The leaders of the Liberal party took, as usual, the right of the +chairman, and filled the principal seats in front. Mr. Muntz was +"conspicuous by his absence." The proceedings had gone on for some +time, and on the name of Mr. William Scholefield being proposed as a +candidate, the whole audience rose enthusiastically, and the Town Hall +rung with cheers, such as the Liberals of Birmingham know so well how +to bestow on a Liberal favourite or a Liberal sentiment. In the midst +of this demonstration, when the meeting was in a state of fervid +excitement, George F. Muntz quietly came up the orchestra stairs, and +took unobserved a seat upon a back bench, near the organ. I was within +two yards of him. He wore a brown holland blouse, and had with him a +paper bag, and as he placed his hat on the seat beside him, he emptied +the contents of the bag into it. As he did so I saw that he had +provided himself with half-a-dozen oranges. + +In the course of the speeches that were made, much regret was +expressed at the determination of Mr. Muntz to stand aloof from the +party in this election, and it was hinted that if the Conservatives +should retain the seat, Mr. Muntz personally would be to blame. +Muntz heard it all pretty quietly, and at length, greatly to the +astonishment of most who were there, who were not even aware of his +being present, his stalwart figure rose, like an apparition, at the +back of the gallery. Standing on a seat so as to make himself seen, +he shouted out, "Mr. Chairman!" The applause which greeted him was +met with sober silence by Mr. Scholefield's friends. He went on--I +remember his very words--"I was going into the Reform Club the other +day, and on the steps I met Joe Parkes: you all know Joe Parkes. Well, +he said to me, 'I say, Muntz, you must coalesce with Scholefield.' I +said, 'I shan't do anything of the sort; it is no part of my duty to +dictate to my constituents who shall be my colleague, and I shan't do +it.' 'Well,' he said, 'if you don't, I shall recommend the electors +to plump against you.' Well, I gave him a very short and a very plain +answer: I told him they might plump and be damned!" The uproar, the +laughter, the shouts that ensued cannot be adequately described. In +the midst of the din, Muntz coolly stooped, took a large orange from +his hat, bit a piece out of it, which he threw away, and then +facing that mighty and excited crowd, proceeded to suck away in as +unconcerned a manner as if no one were present but himself. When the +noise had somewhat subsided, he commenced an elaborate defence of his +conduct, and said he had been taunted with being too proud to ask for +the votes of the electors. "That's not the reason," he said; "I knew +I had done my duty as your representative, and that I deserved your +votes; and I knew that I should get them without asking; but if it is +any satisfaction to anybody, I take this opportunity to ask you +now, collectively, to vote for me. As for your second vote, that has +nothing to do with me. Choose whom you may, I shall work cheerfully +with him as a colleague, and I have no fear of the result." + +This little speech was altogether characteristic of the man. It +showed his stubborn wilfulness, his intense egotism, his coarseness of +manner, and his affectation of eccentricity. But it exhibited also the +fact that he thoroughly understood that he was liked by the bulk of +Birmingham people, and that he knew the majority of unthinking men +would take his bluntness for manliness, and his defiance of the +feelings and opinions of his political associates, for sturdy and +commendable independence. He alienated many friends by his conduct on +this occasion, but he won his election, coming in at the head of +the poll. By dint of strenuous exertions--made necessary by his +obstinacy--Mr. Scholefield came in second. The poll stood at the +close--Muntz, 2,830; Scholefield, 2,824; Spooner, 2,302; Allen, 89. +From this time till his death, ten years later, he and Mr. Scholefield +held their seats without further opposition. + +In the House of Commons he succeeded, mainly by force of lungs, in +gaining attention; but he was looked upon as a political oddity, whose +utterings were amusing, if nothing more. The only good I remember him +to have done as a Member of Parliament was inducing the Government of +the day to adopt the perforating machine in the manufacture of postage +stamps. + +His personal appearance was remarkable and handsome. He was tall and +exceedingly muscular, and must have possessed enormous physical +power. At a time when shaving was universal, he wore his beard. It is +generally believed that he never shaved. This is a mistake. He shaved +until he was nearly 40 years old. His youngest brother, Mr. P.H. +Muntz, the present M.P., as a young man had been sent for some years +to North Germany, and when he came home in 1833, he had a fine beard. +Mr. G.F. Muntz thereupon resolved to allow his to grow, and when he +went to Parliament this peculiarity attracted much notice. H.B., the +celebrated caricaturist, was not slow to make it the subject of one +of his inimitable sketches. In the collected edition there are 917 of +these famous pictures, all admirably drawn, and excellent likenesses. +Mr. Muntz is depicted in No. 643, under the title of "A Brummagem +M.P." The historical stick, the baggy trousers, and the flowing and +Homeric beard, are graphically represented. The reason given for his +carrying the stick was quite amusing. It was stated that the then +Marquis of Waterford had made a wager that he would shave Muntz, and +that Muntz carried the stick to prevent that larkish young nobleman +from carrying the intention into practice. + +The family from which Mr. Muntz descended was originally Polish, +but for a few generations had been domiciled in France, where they +occupied a handsome chateau, and belonged to the aristocracy of the +country. Here the father of Mr. Muntz was born. At the time of the +Revolutionary deluge that swept over France, the Muntz family, in +common with so many hundreds of their countrymen, emigrated; and after +a time, a younger son, Mr. Muntz's father, who seems to have been a +man of great enterprise and force of character, became a merchant +at Amsterdam. This step was very displeasing to his aristocratic +relatives, but he followed his own course independently. In a few +months he left Amsterdam for England, and established himself in +Birmingham. At the age of 41 he married an English lady, Miss Purden, +she being 17 years of age, and they resided in the house in Newhall +Street now occupied by Messrs. Benson and Co., merchants, as offices, +where, in the month of November, 1794, Mr. George Frederic Muntz was +born. It is believed that his baptismal names were given him in honour +of Handel, the composer. At the time of his birth the house stood amid +fields and gardens, and the old mansion known as "New Hall," was in +close proximity, standing on the ground now occupied by the roadway +of Newhall Street, just where the hill begins to descend towards +Charlotte Street. + +The mother of Mr. Muntz was a lady of great acquirements and +considerable mental power. She undertook the early education of her +son, and was singularly qualified for the work. At the age of 12 he +was sent to a school at Small Heath, kept by a Dr. Currie, where +he remained for one year, and from that time he never received any +professional instruction. He had, however, a hunger for knowledge that +was insatiable, and, with the assistance of his excellent mother, he +pursued his studies privately. He became very well up in ancient and +modern history. At a very early age he was associated with his father +in business, and soon became a very apt assistant. His father's +somewhat premature death in 1811 brought him, at the early age of 18, +face to face with the stern realities of life, for he became, so to +speak, the head of the family, and the mainstay of the two businesses +with which his father had been connected--the rolling mills in Water +Street and the mercantile establishment in Great Charles Street. There +he continued a hard-working, plodding; life for many years; but on the +fortunate discovery of the fact that a peculiar alloy of sixteen +parts of copper with ten and two-thirds of spelter made a metal as +efficacious for the sheathing of ships' bottoms as copper itself, at +about two-thirds the cost, he left the management of the old concerns +pretty much to his brother, the present Member, and devoted his own +energies to the development of the business of making "Muntz's Metal." +This business secured him a colossal fortune, and his name as the +fortunate discoverer is still familiar in every commercial market in +the world. + +Mr. Muntz married early in life the daughter of a clergyman, by whom +he had a large family. He resided first at a pretty rustic place +overgrown with ivy, near Soho Pool, called Hockley Abbey. From thence +he removed to Ley Hall, near Perry Barr; and finally he went to +Umberslade Hall, near Knowle, where he resided for the remainder of +his life. + +After the great commercial panic of 1825, the question of the proper +adjustment of the English currency became a prominent topic of +discussion, and various sections of society held contradictory +theories. A distinct school of thought upon this subject arose in +Birmingham, and comprised amongst its members some very able men of +all shades of general political opinion. It became famous, and its +theories being urged with great skill and ability, forced themselves +upon public attention. Mr. Muntz, as a very young man, embraced their +opinions, and advocated them by tongue and pen. In 1829 he wrote a +series of letters to the Duke of Wellington upon this subject, which +were marked by great ability. It was not, however, until the agitation +for the Reform Bill commenced that Mr. Muntz became much known as a +politician. He took up this cause with great ardour, and, being gifted +with considerable fluency of speech, a powerful voice, a confident +manner, and a handsome presence, he soon became immensely popular. +Thomas Attwood, Joshua Scholefield, and George Frederic Muntz were +the founders of the Political Union. The two former, as president and +vice-president respectively, were of course in the foremost rank, but +their young and ardent lieutenant, Muntz, was as powerful and popular +as they. His strong and manly voice, and bold outspoken words, had a +strange and powerful influence with his audiences. He was a popular +favourite, and when the Political Union held their first monster +meeting at Beardsworth's Repository, on January 25th, 1830, Muntz +was the chairman. As has been written of him, "His burly form, +his rough-and-ready oratory, his thorough contempt for all +conventionalities, the heartiness of his objurgations, and his +earnestness, made him a favourite of the people, and an acceptable +speaker at all their gatherings." When Earl Grey, who, as Premier, had +endeavoured unsuccessfully to pass a Reform Bill, resigned, and "the +Duke" took his place, bells throughout the country were tolled, and +black flags floated from many a tower and steeple. The country was in +a frenzy of anger and disappointment. A monster meeting was held on +Newhall Hill, and there, in half a dozen words, Muntz sounded the +knell of the new Tory Ministry. In tones such as few lungs but +his could produce, he thundered in the ears of attentive and eager +listeners the words, "To stop the Duke, run for gold." There were no +telegraphs in those days, but these words were soon known through the +country. A run commenced, such as had seldom been known before, and if +it had continued would have produced disastrous effects. The Duke +was furious. Warrants were prepared for the apprehension of Attwood, +Scholefield, and Muntz, for sedition; but the Ministry had not courage +to put them in action. The excitement became more and more intense, +and the great Duke, for the first time in his life, was compelled +to yield. He resigned, and the unsigned warrants were found in the +pigeon-holes at the Home Office by his successors. + +The Tory party--Conservatives had not then been invented--seeing how +hopeless the struggle was in which they tried to defeat the nation, +gave way eventually, and the Reform Bill of 1832 became law. The +president and vice-president of the Political Union--Attwood and +Scholefield--became the first Members for Birmingham, and political +feeling was quiet for a time. It was soon seen, however, that, +although the people had taken the outworks, the citadel of corruption +had not yet been completely conquered. The church-rate question rose +to the front, and became a burning matter of dispute. In Birmingham, +on this question, public opinion ran very high. For many years the +church-rate had been sixpence and ninepence in the pound per annum. +This was felt to be a most intolerable burden by Churchmen themselves, +and the Dissenters thought it a most unjust and unrighteous +imposition. For some years there had been very angry discussions on +the subject, and most unseemly altercations at the vestry meetings. +On Easter Tuesday, the 28th March, 1837, a meeting was called for the +election of the churchwardens of St. Martin's, and for the making of +a rate. It was held in the Church. The Rev. Mr. Moseley, rector; Mr. +Joseph Baker, who at that time was clerk to Mr. Arnold, the Vestry +Clerk; Mr. Gutteridge, surgeon; Mr. Freer, and others, took their +places in a pew on the north side of the organ. Mr. Muntz, Mr. George +Edmonds, Mr. Pare, Mr. Trow, and others in great numbers, sat on +the south. The Rector took the chair, and proposed Mr. Reeves as +his warden for the coming year. To this, of course, there was no +opposition, but on the rector saying he should now proceed to elect a +people's warden, a row began. Mr. Pare contended that the rector--_ex +officio_--had no right to act as chairman while the parishioners +elected _their_ warden. Muntz proposed another chairman; the parish +books were demanded to be shown; but Mr. Baker put them under his feet +and stood upon them. Muntz mounted to the top of the pew and demanded +the books, and a scene of great disorder and riot ended in nothing +being done. The whole scene appears to have been one of indescribable +confusion. The rector was a timid, nervous man, who seemed during the +whole proceedings to have almost lost his wits. When Baker refused to +give up the books, a rush was made upon the rector's pew, amid cries +of "Pitch him over," "Get the books," &c. The panelling of the pew was +smashed to atoms. In the midst of the scene, Muntz's burly form was +seen, brandishing his well-known stick. Gutteridge is described as +"making incessant grimaces and gesticulations, in a manner which +induced the crowd to call him 'Punch,' and to ask him why he had +not brought 'Judy' with him." In fact, the whole proceeding was a +disgraceful brawl. + +For his complicity in this business a criminal information was laid +against Muntz, and he was brought, with two or three others, to trial +at Warwick, before Chief Justice Park and a special jury. The charge +was "tumult, riot, and assault upon Gutteridge and Rawlins." The trial +commenced on Friday, March 30, 1838, and lasted three entire days. The +result was a virtual acquittal, Mr. Muntz having been found guilty +of "an affray," and not guilty on the other twelve counts of the +indictment. Campbell was counsel for the prosecution, and Wilde for +the defence, and some sparring took place between them. Campbell in a +very rude and insulting manner, _chaffed_ Muntz about his beard, and +Wilde retorted with considerable scorn. The cost of the defence was +over £2,000. + +In January, 1840, upon the retirement of Mr. Attwood from Parliament, +Mr. Muntz became a candidate for the vacant seat, and was opposed by +the notoriously bigoted Tory, Sir Charles Wetherell. The association +of his name with the riots at Bristol a few years before did not add +to his prospects of success in Birmingham. It was thought, however, +that his relationship to Mr. Spooner would give him a chance, but the +poll showed 1,454 votes for Mr. Muntz, and only 915 for Sir Charles. + +From the time of his entering the House of Commons, Mr. Muntz's +political and public character seems to have become deteriorated. +Whether increasing riches brought increasing conservatism of thought +can be hardly ascertained now; but there is no doubt that from this +time the hereditary aristocratic tendencies of his mind began to +gather force. The head of the paternal tree had long returned from +exile to the family chateau, and resumed the position of a landed +seigneur; and his son, George Louis Muntz, cousin of George Frederic, +had just been elected a Member of the French Chamber of Deputies. Why +should not the Muntzes become a family of equal position in England? +No doubt this feeling became a ruling passion, and influenced his +every thought. + +Still, he was a very vain man, and had always told his friends, +publicly and privately, that at least _he_ was politically honest +and consistent; and he was desirous--spite of his change of views--to +retain this self-given character. Hence all sorts of eccentricities, +inconsistencies, and absurdities. Hence his constant habit of speaking +one way and voting another, and hence his morbid sensitiveness to +anything like adverse criticism. In fact, from this time he became +utterly incomprehensible, and but for the grateful recollection of the +many services of his younger days, would probably have found himself +deserted by his political friends. + +At this time, too, the egotism, which in his later years became +more manifest, began to show itself. He evidently thought himself +_somebody_, and did not hesitate to say so on all occasions; until, at +length, it was painful to listen to a speech of his. I remember, about +the time of the Crimean war, when the organisation of the English +army was found to be so lamentably deficient, there was a society +established in Birmingham called by some such name as "The +Administrative Reform Association." A large meeting was held in +Bingley Hall, at which all the leading Liberals of the town were +present. George Dawson made a capital speech, and Muntz had "a long +innings." As we came out, poor Dawson said to me, "They won't be able +to print Muntz's speech verbatim." "Why not?" said I. "Why, my +dear fellow, no printing office in the world would have capital I's +enough." + +I have spoken of his dislike to adverse criticism. No one, now, can +imagine how he would rage and fume if any newspaper dared to doubt the +wisdom of any remark of his. Why, he nearly killed poor Chidlow, the +bookseller; shaking him almost to pieces for merely selling a paper +in which he was severely criticised. While as for _The Birmingham +Journal_, no red rag ever fluttered in the eyes of a furious bull +ever caused more rage than the sight of that paper did to Muntz. That +_they_ should dare to doubt _his_ infallibility was a deadly crime and +an unpardonable sin. + +In opposition to this paper, Muntz started a paper of his own, _The +Birmingham Mercury_, by which he lost a good deal of money, and did +little good. The debts in connection with this newspaper were not paid +until after his death. + +He certainly was a psychical curiosity, and his ways were "past +finding out." He was bold and fearless physically, but there his +courage ended. He avowed himself to be a Republican, yet he was an +innate aristocrat. He was always declaiming against despotism and +tyranny in the abstract, yet he was domineering and arbitrary in his +household, in his family, and in his business. He affected primitive +simplicity, yet was one of the vainest of men. In fact, his whole +nature was a living contradiction. + +About the year 1852 he lost, by death, his youngest daughter, to whom +he had been devotedly attached. This was a severe blow to him, and +from this time the robust physical frame began to exhibit tokens of +decay. His hair became gray, and streaks of silver were seen in his +magnificent beard. At the election in March, 1857, it was observed +that he had greatly changed. He continued to attend the House of +Commons until the end of May, when he was somewhat suddenly taken +severely ill. It was discovered by the medical attendants that +internal tumours, of an alarming nature, had formed, and from this +moment his recovery seemed hopeless. He bore his illness with great +firmness, although his weakness became pitiable, and the fine frame +diminished to a mere skeleton. He became at length unconscious, and on +the 30th of July, 1857, he quietly passed away in the presence of his +family. + +The disposition of his vast wealth was marked by great eccentricity. +His will, when published, caused much adverse criticism, and +uncomplimentary epithets were freely used. Suffice it to say here, +that his property was most unequally, if not unfairly, divided amongst +his family, and that he did not leave a farthing to the Charities of +the town of his birth--the town which had done so much for him, and +for which he had always professed so much attachment. + + + + +JOSEPH GILLOTT. + + +About a hundred and fifty years ago, a gentleman, whose name I have +not been able to ascertain, owned the premises in Icknield Street +West, now known as Monument House, and in his garden, near the +house, he built the tall octagonal tower, now known as the Monument, +respecting the origin of which so many various legendary stories are +current. It was, no doubt, erected to enable its owner, who was an +astronomer, to obtain from its upper chamber a more extensive field of +view for his instruments, and thus to enable him to make observations +of the heavenly bodies when they were very low down in the horizon. +I am informed, however, by an old inhabitant of Edgbaston, that his +father told him, when a little boy, that it, was built by a gentleman +named Parrott, who formerly lived in the top house in Bull Street, at +the corner of Steelhouse Lane. This gentleman had removed to the house +now called Monument House, and built the "Monument" in his garden to +enable him--when from age he became too much enfeebled to enjoy it +himself--to watch from its upper storeys the sport of coursing, which +was extensively practised in the pleasant fields and meadows which +then surrounded the house. Be that as it may, it is certain that the +tower was, a century ago, known by the name of "Parrott's Folly."[A] + +[Footnote A: In a Directory for the year 1800, Monument House is named +as the residence of Mr. Parrott Noel.] + +From the top storey of this lofty building there was a very extensive +range of vision, but when first built there was little to be seen but +green fields and open country. Of the few buildings visible, Ladywood +House, still standing, occupied the foreground, and was surrounded by +a pleasant park. Apparently just beyond was the fine old mansion known +as New Hall, which stood where now Great Charles Street intersects +Newhall Street, the present roadway being the very site which the +house then occupied. St. Philip's Church was being built, and the +scaffold of its unfinished tower and dome looked like a huge net of +wickerwork. A little to the left, Aston Hall, in the clear atmosphere, +seemed only about a mile away. Beyond, on a gentle eminence, Coleshill +was distinctly visible, and in the far distance the tower of +St. Mary's Church at Coventry reared to the dim and hazy sky its +exquisitely tapered and most graceful spire. + +I stood within this upper room, a few years ago, on a pleasant evening +in the summer-time. From its windows there is still a very extensive +view, but how changed! On all sides but one there is nothing to be +seen, under the dingy cloud of smoke, but a weary, bewildering mass of +dismal brick and mortar; and even on the north-west, where there are +still a few green fields and pleasant gardens in the neighbourhood +of the two reservoirs, the eye, reaching beyond there, comes upon the +dark and forbidding regions to the west of Dudley. As on that glorious +evening I turned my telescope to this point, I was startled by a very +curious sight. I had placed the instrument in such a manner that its +"field" was completely filled by the ruby-coloured disc of the setting +sun. As I looked, I saw the singular apparition of a moving "whimsey" +at the top of Brierley Hill, dark and black against the shining +surface. It was an extraordinary illusion, for it looked exactly as if +the rising and falling beam of the engine were attached to the surface +of the sun itself. + +On the same side, I saw, almost at the foot of the tower on which I +stood, a little enclosed garden. It contained at one end a long, low, +pavilion-like building, and, here and there, some pleasant alcoves +and garden seats. I heard the sound of merry voices, and, I saw two or +three sets of gentlemen playing the game known by the unpoetical name +of "quoits." Upon inquiry I was told that this was the private ground +of the Edgbaston Quoit Club, a select body, consisting mainly of +well-to-do inhabitants of that pleasant suburb. By the courtesy of +one of the members, I was a few days afterwards conducted over these +premises. It was not a club day, so we were alone. The low pavilion, +was, I found, the dining-room of the club--for on club days the +members met to dine, as a preliminary to the play. It was plainly and +very comfortably furnished, and every arrangement seemed to have been +made that could conduce to the convenience of the members. At one end +was a long row of hat-pegs, and upon these, at various angles, hung a +singular assortment of garden hats and caps, of every imaginable shape +and colour. They were the _négligé_ head-coverings of the members, +and though altogether dissimilar in most respects, they were alike in +one--they were all of very large size. + +Phrenologists tell us that the size of a man's head is indicative of +his mental power, and these hats certainly bore out the theory, for +their owners were mostly self-made men, and were, without exception, +men of mark. I will not mention the name of any of those now living, +but two of the largest hats there belonged respectively to Walter +Lyndon and Joseph Gillott. + +Mr. Gillott, we are told, in a newspaper published soon after his +death, was "born of poor but honest parents." I should like very much +to inquire here, how it is that novel writers, magazine contributors, +and newspaper reporters always write "poor _but_ honest." Is there +really anything antithetic or antagonistic in poverty and honesty? To +my mind the phrase always seems offensive, and it will be well if +it is discontinued in the future. It is one of those little bits of +clap-trap so common among reporters, who use phrases of this kind +continually, without a thought as to their appropriateness. + +However, Joseph Gillott was born in Sheffield about three months +before the present century commenced. His parents _were_ poor, but +they managed to give him a good plain education, and they taught him +self-reliance. They taught him, too, to train and cultivate the fine +faculty of observation with which he was naturally endowed. In very +early life, we are told, he, by forging and grinding the blades +of pen-knives, contributed greatly to the income of the parental +household. It is said that even at a very early age, his quick +perception and his acute nervous organisation enabled him to produce +much finer work than others of far greater experience in the same +trade, whose obtuseness had kept them in a state of comparative +drudgery all their lives. + +When he became of age, and was "out of his time," the cutlery trade in +Sheffield was very much depressed, and he came to Birmingham, hoping +to obtain employment in a trade which, owing to a caprice of fashion, +was just then in an inflated condition. This was the business of +making steel buckles, and other articles of polished steel for +personal adornment. In this he was very successful, and soon after his +arrival in the town, he took a small house in Bread Street, a little +way down on the right from Newhall Street, and here he started +business for himself. He had no capital, but he had great skill. Mr. +S.A. Goddard, who used to buy from him, tells me that he made very +excellent goods, and "came for his money every week." He was a very +excellent workman, and possessing as he did the native perception of +fitness which we call "taste," he soon obtained abundance of orders, +and became prosperous. + +At this time the steel pen trade, which has since grown to such +enormous dimensions, was only in a tentative condition. Josiah Mason, +in conjunction with Perry, of _The Morning Chronicle_ newspaper, was +experimenting, and two brothers, named respectively John and William +Mitchell, were actually making, by a tedious method, a fairly good +article. They were assisted in their work by a sister. By some +fortunate accident, Gillott and Miss Mitchell met, and after a brief +courtship they entered into an engagement to marry. She spoke to her +intended husband of the nature of her occupation, and Gillott at once +conceived the idea that the _press_, the useful implement then used +principally in the button trade, might, if proper tools could be made +to suit, produce pens in large numbers very rapidly. With his own +hands, in a garret of his house, he secretly worked until he had +succeeded in making pens of a far better quality than had yet been +seen. His process was one in which, unassisted, he could produce as +many pens as twenty pairs of hands, working under the old system, +could turn out. There was an enormous demand for his goods, and as he +wanted help, and secrecy seemed needful, the young people married, and +Mr. Gillott used to tell how, on the very morning of his marriage, he, +before going to the church, made with his own hands a gross of pens, +and sold them at 1s. each, realising thereby a sum of £7 4s. + +Continuing to live in the little house in Bread Street, the young +couple worked in the garret, no one else assisting. As an illustration +of the primitive condition of the steel pen trade then, it may be +mentioned that at this period the pens were "blued" and varnished in +a common frying-pan, over a kitchen fire. Orders flowed in so rapidly, +and the goods were produced in such quantities, that the young couple +made money faster than they knew what to do with it. They were afraid +to invest it, as they did not wish it to ooze out that the business +was so profitable. It has been stated that Mr. Gillott had several +banking accounts open at this time, being afraid that, if he paid all +his profits into one bank, it might excite cupidity, and so engender +competition. It is also said that he actually buried money in the +cellar of his house, lest his marvellously rapid accumulation of +wealth should become known. + +At length the demand for his pens became so great that it was +impossible to resist the urgent necessity for larger premises and +increased labour. Mr. Gillott, accordingly, removed to Church Street, +and subsequently took other premises, up the yard by Mr. Mappin's shop +in Newhall Street. About the same time, he removed his family to the +house at the corner of Great Charles Street, where the Institution +of Mechanical Engineers had its offices until its recent removal +to London. After a few years, he commenced to build the premises in +Graham Street, where the business has, ever since, been carried on. +At the time the building was erected, there were few "factories," +properly so called, in the town, and most of the work of the place +was conducted in the low, narrow ranges of latticed-windowed buildings +known as "shopping." Mr. Gillott's was, I think, the first Birmingham +building in the modern factory style. It was admirably planned, and +expensively built. Even, now, when hundreds of factories have arisen, +its solid and substantial appearance externally, and the arrangements +inside, for order, and for the organisation of labour, are not +surpassed by any of its rivals. + +As soon as Mr. Gillott's appliances were of sufficient extent to +supply very large quantities, he commenced to advertise extensively, +a practice which he continued during the remainder of his life, and +which his son and successor still follows up in a modified form. I +perfectly remember, more than forty years ago, his advertisements +in tine magazines, and on the cover of the "Penny Cyclopædia." Like +everything that Mr. Gillott did, they bore the impress of original +thought. After giving his name and address, and a few other +particulars as to his wares, the advertisements went on to say +something like this: + +"The number of pens produced in this factory in the year ending +December 31st, 1836, was + + 250,000 grosses, + or 3,000,000 dozens, + or 36,000,000 pens." + +The advertisements invariably had the fac-simile of Mr. Gillott's +signature, as now; a signature better known, perhaps, than any other +in the world, and one with which almost every human being who can +write is perfectly familiar. Of course it will be understood that the +quantities given above are altogether imaginary. It is impossible to +remember the exact figures after so many years, but they are inserted +to show the form the advertisements then took. + +Faster than the improved facilities at his command enabled him to +produce, came the demand for his pens. To meet this, he brought from +time to time into use many mechanical appliances, the product of his +fertile and ingenious brain, until at length every one of the old +processes was superseded, and labour-saving machinery substituted. The +price of the pens fell from a shilling each to less than that sum per +gross, and the steel pen came into universal use. The enormous number +of yens produced in Mr. Gillott's works can scarcely be set down in +figures, but may be estimated roughly, from the statement made at +the time of his death that the average weight of the weekly make of +finished pens exceeded five tons. I have tried, by experiment, to +arrive at an approximate estimate of the _number_ of pens this weight +represents. I have taken a "scratch" dozen of pens, of all sorts and +sizes, and ascertaining their weight, have calculated therefrom, and I +find that the result is something like sixty thousand grosses, or the +enormous number of nearly nine millions of separate pens, sent out +from this manufactory every week. + +In the course of the forty or fifty years during which Mr. Gillott was +in business, many other manufactories of steel pens were established, +at some of which, probably, greater _numbers_ of pens were produced +than at his own, but the _amount of business_ transacted was in no +case, probably, so great. Mr. Gillott did not compete in the direction +others took--lowness of price. Like his brother-in-law, Mr. William +Mitchell, he preferred to continue to improve the quality. It is +somewhat remarkable that, after long years of active and severe +competition, these two houses--the oldest in the trade, I +believe--have still the highest reputation for excellence. + +It has often occurred to me that the invention of steel pens came most +opportunely. Had they not been invented, Rowland Hill's penny postage +scheme would probably have failed. There would not have been, in the +whole world, geese enough to supply quills to make the required number +of pens. Had Byron lived a little later on, his celebrated couplet +would not have apostrophised the "gray goose quill," but would +probably have run something like this: + + "My Gillott pen! thou noblest work of skill, + Slave of my thought, obedient to my will." + +My purpose, however, in this sketch is not to write a history of the +trade by which Mr. Gillott raised himself to fame and fortune, +but rather to describe the man himself, as he moved quietly and +unobtrusively among his fellow men. One of his chief characteristics, +it has always struck me, was his intense love of _excellence_ in +everything with which he had to do. It was a frequent jocular remark +of his that "the best of everything was good enough for him." In +this--perhaps unknowingly--he followed Lord Bacon's advice, "Jest in +earnest," for he, certainly, earnestly carried out in life the desire +to do, and to possess, the "best" that could be attained. Of this +peculiarity, some very pleasant stories can be told. + +Soon after he had purchased the beautiful estate at Stanmore, near +Harrow-on-the-Hill, which he loved so much, and where, in company +with his old friend, Pettitt, the artist, he spent so much time in +his latter years, he resolved to adorn the grounds with the rarest +and most beautiful shrubs and trees obtainable. The trustees of the +Jephson Gardens, at Leamington, about the same time, advertised for +sale some surplus plants of rare kinds, and Mr. Gillott paid the +gardens a visit. He had selected a number of costly specimens, when +his eye fell on a tree of surpassing beauty. He inquired its price, +and was told that it was not for sale. He was not a man to be easily +baffled, and he still tried to make a bargain. He was at length told +that an offer of £50 had already been made for the tree, and refused. +His reply was characteristic: "Well, I've made up my mind to have that +tree, and I'll give £100 for it. This offer, with the amount of those +I have selected, will make my morning's purchases come to three or +four hundred pounds. If I don't have this tree, I won't have any." He +had it, and it still adorns the magnificent lawn at Stanmore. + +Few people know that he had a fancy for collecting precious stones, +simply as rarities. Poor George Lawson (whose tall, erect, and +soldier-like figure was well known in the streets of Birmingham and +at picture sales, and whose thoroughly good-natured, genial, hearty +manner, and singular wealth of humour, made him the favourite "of +all circles, and the idol of his own") told me a capital story +illustrative of this. One of Mr. Lawson's daughters complained to +him of tooth-ache, and he advised her to have it extracted. The young +lady, who had inherited a large share of her father's rare humour, +went immediately to the dentist and had the objectionable tooth +removed. There had been a calf's head on the dinner-table that day, +and the young lady, on her return, obtained from the cook one of the +large molars from the jaw of the calf, which, having been carefully +wrapped in paper, was presented to her father as her own. He saw +through the trick in an instant, and affecting great astonishment at +its enormous size, he put it in his waistcoat pocket, as a curiosity, +forming in his own mind a little plot for the following day, when he +had an engagement to dine out. The dinner party was at Walter Lyndon's +house at Moseley, and here he met Gillott. Lawson, at table, was +seated next to a gentleman from London, who wore on his forefinger a +ring containing a very magnificent diamond; so large, indeed, as to +excite Lawson's attention so much that at length he spoke, "You must +really excuse me, but I cannot help admiring the splendid diamond in +your ring." "Yes, it's a pretty good one," said the gentleman, handing +it to Lawson for inspection. It was passed round the table until it +reached Gillott, who carefully inspected it and said, "It's a very +good one; but I think I have one that'll 'lick' it." Putting his +hand into the breast pocket of his coat, he brought out two or three +shabby-looking screwed-up bits of paper. Selecting one of these, he +opened it, and produced therefrom an unmounted diamond, far surpassing +in size and purity the one in the ring. Precious stones generally +became at once the topic of conversation, and it was wondered whether +an emerald of equal size would be of equal or, as one contended, even +greater value. One gentleman present said that an emerald so large had +never yet been seen. Gillott's eye twinkled with a merry humour, as, +from another bit of paper, he produced an emerald larger than the +diamond, and a minute afterwards trumped both these with a splendid +ruby. It was now Lawson's turn. Assuming a serious look, he said that +Mr. Gillott's specimens were certainly very remarkable, but he could +"beat them hollow." Then, with an air of great mystery and care, +he produced from his pocket the carefully-enveloped tooth, which he +exhibited to his astonished friends as the identical tooth taken from +his daughter's jaw the day before. + +It is well known that Mr. Gillott had accumulated a very large and +fine collection of violins and other stringed musical instruments. +These, when sold by auction after his death, fetched, under the +hammer, upwards of £4,000. About twenty years ago an old friend of +mine in Leicestershire, who had met with some heavy losses, desired +to sell a fine Stradivarius violin, which had been in his family more +than a century, and he sent it to me that I might offer it to Mr. +Gillott. I called upon him to ask permission to bring it to him for +inspection. I can recall now the frank, honest, homely Yorkshire tone +with which he said, "Nay, lad! I shan't buy any more fiddles; I've got +a boat-load already." He wouldn't look at it, and I sent it back to +its owner, who is long since dead. + +World-wide as was his reputation as a manufacturer, he was almost +equally renowned as one of the most munificent and discriminating +patrons of Art. Possessing, naturally, a most refined taste, and +having very acute perceptive powers, he instinctively recognised the +_true_ in the work of young artists; and when he saw tokens of more +than common ability, he fostered the budding talent in a very generous +spirit. So much was thought of his judgment, that the fact of his +having bought a picture by an unknown man was quite sufficient to give +the artist a position. I heard a story from a Liverpool artist the +other day, very characteristic of Mr. Gillott's firm and determined, +yet kind and generous, nature. It is well known that he very early +recognised the genius of the gifted Mueller, and became his warm +supporter. One result of his patronage was that others sought the +artist, and by offers of large prices and extensive commissions, +induced him to let them have some of his pictures, which Gillott was +to have bought. Mueller appears to have become inflated by his great +success, and he, in this or some other way, managed to annoy his early +friend and patron in a very serious manner. His punishment was swift, +severe, and sure. Gillott immediately packed off every Mueller picture +he possessed to an auction room in London, with directions that they +should be extensively advertised as his property, and sold without +the slightest reserve. This step so frightened the Art-world that +"Müllers" became a drug in the market, and poor Müller found himself +neglected by his quondam friends. He soon came in penitence to +Gillott, who again took him by the hand, and befriended him until his +untimely death in 1845, at the age of 33. At the sale of Mr. Gillott's +pictures after his decease, Müller's celebrated picture, "The Chess +Players," fetched the enormous sum of £3,950. + +The story of Mr. Gillott's introduction to the great landscape +painter, Turner, has been variously told, but the basis of all the +stories is pretty much the same. It seems that Gillott, long before +Ruskin had dubbed Turner "the modern Claude," had detected the rare +excellence of his works, and longed to possess some. He went to the +dingy house in Queen Anne Street, and Turner himself opened the door. +In reply to Gillott's questions, he said he had "nothing to sell that +_he_ could afford to buy." Gillott, by great perseverance, obtained +admission, and tried at first to bargain for a single picture. Turner +looked disdainfully at his visitor, and refused to quote a price. +Still Gillott persevered, and at length startled the artist by asking, +"What'll you take for the lot in this room?" Turner, half-jokingly, +named a very large sum--many thousands--thinking to frighten him off, +but Gillott opened his pocket book, and, to Turner's utter amazement, +paid down the money in crisp Bank of England notes. From this moment +the two men, so utterly unlike in their general character, but so +strangely kindred in their love of Art, became on intimate terms of +friendship, which lasted until Turner's death in 1851. Mr. Gillott's +collection of Turner's works was the largest and finest in private +hands in England, and, when they were sold, realised more than five +times the money he had paid for them. + +Mr. Gillott was not, in any sense, a public man, and he took no active +part in politics. He had a great dislike to public companies, and I +believe never held a share in one. He had a very few old friends with +whom he loved to associate. He was very hospitable, but he had a strong +aversion to formal parties, and to every kind of ostentation. His chief +delight was to act as cicerone to an appreciative visitant to his +magnificent gallery. He was a frequent visitor to the snug smoking-room +at the "Hen and Chickens," where poor "Walter" always brought him, +without waiting for an order, what Tony Weller called the "inwariable" +and a choice cigar. He did not talk much, but, when he spoke, he had +always "something to say." He left early, and went from there, almost +nightly, to the Theatre Royal, where he occupied, invariably, a back +seat of a certain box, and here, if the performances were a little dull, +he would often enjoy a comfortable nap. + +In private life he was cheerful, easily pleased, and unaffected. He was +greatly beloved by children and young people. I wrote the other day to a +lady, at whose father's house he was a frequent visitor, asking for her +recollections of him; and the reply is so pleasant and graphic, that, +without her permission, I shall quote it verbatim: + + "When he dined with papa it was always a 'gentlemen's' party, and + only mamma dined with them. We used to see the visitors at dessert + only. I remember Mr. Gillott as always being very cheery in manner, + with a kind smile; and few words. As children, when we went to + dancing parties at his house, he would come during the evening, with + a few old friends (the fathers of the children assembled), and, + standing in the door of the drawing-room, pat the children on the + head and have a little joke with them as they passed him. He would + stay for about half-an-hour or so, and then return with his friends + down-stairs to smoke. I have heard papa, who, as you know, was no + mean judge, say what a remarkably quick ear Mr. Gillott had for + music. When they had been together to hear a new opera, he, on his + return home, would whistle correctly the greater portion of the + music, having only heard it once." + +Personally, Mr. Gillott was rather short, and was of broad and sturdy +build. He had a remarkably firm step, and there was a rhythmic +regularity in his footfall. He was fond of light attire, and generally +wore a white hat. There was an air of freshness in his appearance that +was very pleasant, and he had such a remarkably clean look that I have +often thought that _his_ cleanliness was something _positive_, something +more than the mere absence of dirt. He had a curious way, as he walked, +of looking dreamily upon the ground a few yards in front of him, and +when anyone met him his eye would rise with a kind of jerk; then with a +piercing glance he would intently, for a moment only, "take stock" of +the passer by, and drop his eyes again. + +For the last two or three years of his life he was haunted by a fear of +impending blindness. The thought of being shut out from the sight of his +pictures caused him much gloomy apprehension. Happily, his fears were +not realised. He retained his sight and other faculties unimpaired until +his death. On the 26th of December, 1872, he, in accordance with his +annual Christmas custom, assembled all his family to dinner, at his +house in Westbourne Road, and in his kindly, affectionate manner spoke +hopefully of meeting them there on the same day of the following year. +It was not to be. On the next day he felt somewhat unwell; in two or +three days bronchitis and pleurisy supervened; and in the afternoon of +Friday, the 5th of January, 1873, his long, honourable, and useful life +terminated. + + + + +[Illustration] + +HENRY VAN WART, J.P. + + +Many years ago I was one of a small dinner party of gentlemen at a +house in the Hagley Road. I was a comparative stranger, for I only +knew the host and two others who were there. I was a young man, +and all the other guests were men of middle age. The party had been +invited for the purpose of introducing me to "a few old friends," and +I was to be married the next day to a relative of the host. Sitting +opposite to me at table was a gentleman of some fifty or sixty years +of age, whose fine oval face and ample brow struck me as having the +most benevolent and "fatherly" expression I had ever seen. The custom +had not then quite died out of toasting the guests at dinner parties, +and upon a hint from the host this gentleman rose, and in simple and +apparently sincere phrase, proposed to the company to drink my health. +I mention it now, because I remember in what a kindly, genial way +he pointed out to me the course of conduct best calculated to secure +happiness in the state into which I was so soon to enter. I recollect, +too, how his voice faltered as he spoke of his own long and happy +experience as a husband and a father, and mentioned that in one great +trouble of his life it was the loving support of his wife that enabled +him to bear, and eventually to overcome it. The speaker was Henry Van +Wart. + +I suppose the impressionable state of my own mind at the time, made +me peculiarly susceptible to external influences, and fixed minute +circumstances more intensely on my memory; so that I now vividly +recall the thought which then occurred to me--that I had never before +seen so much gentleness and calm quiet benignity in a _man_. The +impression then rapidly formed has lasted ever since, for in all the +long years from that day until his death I never had cause to abate +one jot of the reverential feeling with which he then inspired me. I +have had hundreds of business transactions with his house; I have seen +him often in the magistrate's chair; and I have met him publicly and +privately, and he had always the same bland, suave, courteous, and +kindly bearing. Strength of character and gentleness of conduct and +manner were so combined in him that he frequently seemed to me to be +a living proof of the truth of a saying of poor George Dawson: "The +tenderness of a strong man is more gentle than the gentleness of the +most tender woman." + +Mr. Van Wart was an American by birth, and a Dutchman by descent. His +ancestors emigrated from Holland about the year 1630 to the colony of +New Netherland, established in North America by the Dutch in the year +1621. The capital of this settlement was named New Amsterdam, and +was built upon the island of Manhattan, the entire area of which, now +completely covered with buildings, and comprising the whole site +of the city of New York, had been bought from an Iroquois chief, in +fee-simple, for twenty-four dollars, being at about the rate of a +penny for twelve acres! In 1652, New Amsterdam, then having about a +thousand inhabitants, was incorporated as a city. Twelve years after, +the entire province was seized by the British, under Colonel Nichols, +and was re-named by him "New York." The Dutch made some unsuccessful +attempts to recover possession, and they held the city for a short +time, but in 1674 the whole colony was ceded by treaty to the English, +who held it until the War of Independence. When they quitted it, on +November 25th, 1783, Henry Van Wart was exactly two months old. + +The struggle for the independence of the American states had been +going on with varying success for many years, but the tide at length +turned so decidedly against the British, that an armistice was sought +and agreed upon. Hostilities were suspended, and a conference met in +Paris. Here a treaty, acknowledging the independence of America, was +agreed to by England, and signed on the 3rd of September, 1783. On the +25th of the same month, Henry Van Wart was born at a pretty village on +the banks of the Hudson, called Tarrytown, a place since celebrated +as the "Sleepy Hollow" of Washington Irving's delightful book, but +at that time remarkable as the scene of one of the most distressing +incidents in all the wretched struggle then just over--the capture of +the unfortunate Major André. + +Mr. Van Wart, feeling little inclination for his father's business of +a farmer, was apprenticed to the mercantile firm of Irving and Smith, +of New York. In accordance with the usage of the times, he became an +inmate of the household of Mr. William Irving, the head of the +firm. Mr. Irving, like his gifted brother, Washington, was a man of +extensive reading and considerable taste, culture, and refinement. +Mr. Van Wart's intercourse with the Irving family, had, no doubt, a +considerable influence in forming his character. He probably learned +from them the courtesy and kindness of manner which distinguished him +through life. + +On the termination of his apprenticeship in the year 1804, Mr. Van +Wart married the youngest sister of his employer, and was despatched +by the firm, who had unbounded confidence in his integrity and +judgment, to organise a branch of the house at Liverpool. Here his +eldest son, Henry, was born in 1806, soon after which the Liverpool +concern was abandoned, and Mr. Van Wart returned to America, where he +remained for some considerable period. + +Soon after the birth of his second son, Irving, in 1808, Mr. Van +Wart returned to England with his family, and commenced business in +Birmingham. He first occupied a house on the left-hand side of the +West Bromwich road, at Handsworth. The house, which is occupied by Mr. +T.R.T. Hodgson, is a stuccoed one, with its gable towards the road; it +stands near the "New Inn." After a short time he removed to the house +at the corner of Newhall Street and Great Charles Street, which was, +until recently, occupied by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. + +He afterwards bought a stone-built house in Icknield Street West. This +house stood on the right-hand side near the present Wesleyan Chapel. +It is now pulled down. In connection with this purchase, a curious +circumstance occurred. As already stated, Mr. Van Wart was born a few +days after England had acknowledged the independence of America. Those +few days made all the difference to him. Had his birth occurred a +month earlier, he would have been born a British subject. As it +was, he was an alien, and incapable of holding freehold property in +England. To get over this difficulty, he had to apply for, and obtain, +a special Act of Parliament to naturalise him. This having passed, he +was enabled to complete the purchase of the house, to which he soon +removed. Here his celebrated brother-in-law, Washington Irving, came +on a visit, and in this house the greater part of the "Sketch-book" +was written. + +In 1814, the second American War was closed by treaty, and all the +world was at peace. Business on both sides of the Atlantic became +suddenly inflated, and there being at that time no restriction upon +the issue of bank notes, mercantile transactions, to enormous amounts, +were comparatively easy. Urged by American buyers, Mr. Van Wart +purchased very large quantities of Birmingham and other goods, which +he shipped to New York. In a very short time, however, a revulsion +came. Prices fell rapidly, in some cases to the extent of 50 per cent; +American houses by scores tottered and fell; the Irvings could not +weather the storm, and their fall brought down Mr. Van Wart. + +As soon as he was honourably released from his difficulties, he +commenced another kind of business. He no longer sent his own goods +for sale abroad, but bought exclusively on commission for other +merchants. This business rapidly grew into one of the most extensive +and important in Birmingham; was continued by him until the day of his +death, and is still in active operation. + +Having sold his house at Springfield to Mr. Barker, the Solicitor, +he removed to a house at the top of Newhall Hill, then quite in the +country: This house is still standing, but is incorporated with Mr. +Wiley's manufactory, and is entirely hidden from view by the lofty +buildings which have enclosed it. From here, about 1820, he removed +to Calthorpe Road, then newly formed, where he occupied a house--the +seventh, I think--on the left-hand from the Five Ways. From the back +windows of this house he could look across fields and meadows to +Moseley, there not being, with the exception of a few in the Bristol +Road, a house or other building visible. Here Washington Irving was +almost a constant visitor. Here "Bracebridge Hall"--the original of +which was Aston Hall--was written, and in this house some of the most +delightful letters published in Irving's biography were penned. After +a few years, Mr. Van Wart finally removed to "The Shrubbery" in Hagley +Road, where he continued to reside until his death. + +After the death of his excellent wife, which occurred in 1848, he went +on a long visit to America, and while there narrowly escaped death. He +was proceeding from Boston to New York, up Long Island Sound, when a +storm arose, and the vessel was wrecked upon the Connecticut shore. +She lay some fifty yards from the land; some of the passengers got +on shore something as St. Paul did upon the island of Melita. Mr. Van +Wart, deeming it safer to hold to the wreck, remained until he was +getting benumbed, and feared losing the use of his limbs. Letting +himself down into the water, he paddled and swam amongst the broken +stuff from the ship until he reached the shore. He was, however, too +much exhausted to get upon the land, but some one, who had observed +his struggles, dragged him, quite insensible, from the water. He was +carried on men's backs some half a mile, to a farm house, where he was +hospitably treated, and nursed until he recovered. + +The character of a man who had so little of the "light and shade" +of average humanity, and the placid current of whose life seemed +so unrippled, offers none of those strong contrasts, and subtle +peculiarities, which render the analysis of more stormy and unequal +minds comparatively easy. His frank and open speech; the kindly grasp +of his hand; his ever-ready ear for tales of trouble or difficulty; +the wise counsel, which was never withheld; the general bland and +suave manner; the pleasant smile, and his remarkably genial, hearty +greeting, will be long remembered, and they make it difficult to say +anything of him, except in panegyric. + +There is one point, however, on which a word or two may be said, as I +think he has been somewhat misunderstood. It has been said of him that +he was "incapable of strong friendly attachments." I am of opinion +that this impression may have been caused by his very genial manner +and hearty bearing. These may have led some to think that he felt +towards them as a friend in the highest sense, while _he_ looked +upon _them_ merely as acquaintances. His friendliness was general and +diffusive, and certainly was not concentrated upon one or two objects, +as is the case sometimes with intenser natures. That he _was_ capable +of lasting friendship, however, one little circumstance will show. Mr. +S.D. Williams, of the Reservoir Road, one of the most intellectual men +of whom Birmingham could boast, was an invalid for a very long time +before his death, and, I believe, had not been outside his own gates +for nearly thirty years. During the whole of that long time, up to +within a few weeks of his death, Mr. Van Wart never missed paying him +a visit every Saturday evening. On these occasions they invariably +played whist, a game of which Mr. Van Wart, being a particularly +skilful player, was remarkably fond. His punctuality in this matter +was something remarkable; at eight o'clock to the minute he arrived, +and at five minutes to twelve exactly his coachman brought the +carriage to take his master home. + +As a merchant, he was intelligent, sagacious, straight-forward, +methodical, and strictly honourable; and his cordial manner made him +a universal favourite both among manufacturers and customers. He was +much beloved by his clerks and assistants, many of whom grew gray +in his service. He was American Vice-Consul for a time, but from his +first coming to England does not seem to have taken any great interest +in American politics. During the Civil War in the States, although his +sympathies were altogether with the North, he took no public part in +the dispute, standing in strong contrast to his countryman and fellow +townsman, Mr. Goddard, who wrote voluminously, and whose writings had +a very marked effect upon the public opinion of England on that great +question. As an English politician, Mr. Van Wart was neither very +active nor very ardent. He was a Liberal, but inclined to Whig views. +He opposed Mr. Bright in his first contested election for Birmingham, +but there is reason for thinking he regretted it afterwards. + +When the town was incorporated, in 1838, he was chosen to be one of +the Councillors for Edgbaston Ward, and on the first meeting of the +Council, was elected Alderman, an office he held for twenty years. +He might have been Mayor at any time, but he invariably declined that +honour. He was one of the first creation of Borough Magistrates, and +he conscientiously fulfilled the duties of that office until near his +end, when increasing deafness rendered him incapable. + +In private life he was greatly beloved. Those who had the pleasure of +the acquaintance of Mrs. Van Wart say that he always treated her with +remarkable deference and consideration, "as if she were a superior +being." His intercourse with his gifted brother-in-law, Washington +Irving, seems to have been of the most close and affectionate +character. His presence at an evening party was always greeted with +a hearty welcome, up to the latest period of his life; and it was +pleasant to see, when he was verging upon his 90th year, how +young ladies seemed as desirous to meet his kindly glance as their +great-grandmothers may have been sixty years before. + +Up to a year or two before his death, his robust constitution; +his quiet, regular habits; his equanimity of disposition, and his +temperate method of life, preserved his strength and vigour almost +unimpaired. Few can forget his hale and hearty presence, as he strode +along the streets of Birmingham; his peculiar walk--the strange jerky +spring of the hinder foot, and the heavy planting of the front, as +if he were striking the earth with a powerful blow--marking his +individuality, whilst the pleasant kindly smile of greeting, and the +full firm tones of his manly voice, gave evidence of vigour very rare +in a man of his age. Even to the last his strength seemed unimpaired, +and he succumbed to a chance attack of bronchitis, but for which his +constitution seemed to possess sufficient stamina to have made him a +centenarian. He died at his residence on the 15th of February, 1873, +being then in his 90th year. + +He was a well-informed man, and had a most retentive memory. He had +a great fund of quiet humour, and could tell a good story better than +most men. He was a good judge of character, and, as a magistrate, +could distinguish between what was radically bad in a prisoner, and +the crime which was the outcome of want and wretchedness. During +his long Birmingham life of nearly seventy years, he was universally +respected, and when he descended into the grave it may be said that +there was no one who could say of him an unkindly word. + +He was mainly instrumental in the establishment of the Birmingham +Exchange, the idea of which originated with Mr. Edwin Lander. He +exerted himself greatly in the establishment of the company which +erected the buildings, and he was its chairman until his death. +The members of this institution, to mark their sense of his worth, +commissioned Mr. Munns to paint his portrait; and if any reader is +desirous to see the "counterfeit presentment" of what Henry Van Wart +was, he has only to enter the principal hall of the Exchange, where +he will find a full-length portrait, at 87 years of age, of a man who, +more than any other I have known, was entitled to-- + + "The grand old name of _Gentleman_." + + + + +CHARLES SHAW, J.P., &c. + + +Just before the Great Western Railway Company began the construction +of their line from Oxford to Birmingham, I was passing down Great +Charles Street one afternoon, when my attention was attracted by some +unusual bustle. Near the spot where the hideous railway bridge now +disfigures the street, there was a row of carts and vans backed up to +the curbstone of the pavement on the left. From a passage by the side +of a large square brick-built house some brokers' men were bringing a +variety of dingy stools, desks, shelves, counters, and other odds and +ends of office furniture. Near the front door of the house, stood, +looking on, a well-dressed, stout-built, florid-complexioned man, of +middle height, and, apparently, of middle age. As I slackened my pace +to observe more intently the operations of the brokers' men, this +gentleman approached me, and in courteous tones, and as if appealing +to me for sympathy, said, "You can't imagine the pain these +proceedings are giving me; I was born in this house more than fifty +years ago; I have never been away from it long together; I've been +familiar, all my life, with the 'things' they are carting away, and +to see the old place stripped in this way, hurts me as much as if I +were having one of my limbs cut off." As he spoke, his voice became +tremulous, and tears--actual tears--rolled down his cheeks. I was +amazed; I was completely thunder-struck. The man who thus spoke, and +who then shed tears, was, of all men in the world, the very last I +should have thought capable of a tender emotion, or of a sentimental +feeling about a lot of worn-out stools and tables. He was generally +considered to be the _hardest_ man in Birmingham, and that this man +should be capable of sentimentalism, even to tears, was a mystery to +me then, and will be a surprise to most of those who only knew the man +superficially. He was no other than Charles--or, as he was universally +called, "Charley"--Shaw. The railway company, requiring the site of +his business premises for the construction of their line, had bought +the place, and an auction sale that day had disposed of the well-worn +effects that were being carted away. + +Probably no Birmingham man occupying a prominent position, was ever +so unpopular as Charles Shaw. He was generally disliked and +somewhat dreaded. He was unscrupulous and regardless of truth, +where truthfulness and his interests were antagonistic. His manners, +frequently, went far beyond the limit of decent behaviour. I hope, +however, spite of his many failings, to show, in the course of this +sketch, that he had many redeeming qualities; that he was a most +useful citizen; and that he was not altogether so black as he was +painted. + +He certainly was a strange mixture of good and bad qualities. He +seemed to be made up altogether of opposites. He was very bitter +against any one who had offended him, yet he was not permanently +vindictive. He was grasping in business, yet he was not ungenerous. +He was a most implacable enemy, yes he was capable of warm and most +disinterested friendship. He could descend to trickery in dealing, +yet as a magistrate he had a high and most inflexible ideal of +honour, honesty, and rectitude. He could be coarse in his conduct and +demeanour, and yet he could occasionally be as courteous and dignified +as the most polished gentleman. He was overbearing where he felt he +was safe, yet where he was met by courage and firmness he yielded +quietly and quickly. + +My own introduction, and subsequent acquaintance, were strangely +characteristic of the peculiarly antithetic nature of the man. They +began in ill-temper, and resulted in commercial relations of a most +friendly nature, extending over many years, without a second unkindly +word. The first time I saw him occurred one day when I was making a +round of calls upon the merchants of the town, to exhibit a case of +samples of goods of my own manufacture, and I called upon Mr. Shaw. +Going up the passage I have mentioned above, and climbing a rickety +stair, I found myself in a room containing a couple of clerks. Upon +my inquiring for Mr. Shaw, one of them went into another room to +fetch him, and I took the opportunity to note the peculiarities of the +place. It was a long room with a sloping ceiling; there were two or +three very old, ink-stained, worm-eaten desks; a dingy map hung here +and there, and a few shelves and wooden presses were arranged upon the +walls. The place had been whitewashed once, no doubt, but the colour +was now about the same as that of a macadamised road, and the whole +place seemed dirty and neglected. + +Presently Mr. Shaw appeared. I had heard his character pretty freely +discussed, and I was prepared for a rough reception. He looked at my +samples, and inquired very minutely into the prices of each. As to one +article, which I quoted to him at fifteen shillings the gross, I said +that in that particular item I believed my price was lower than that +of any other maker. He said nothing, but left me, went back to his +private office, returned with a file of papers, and selecting one, +addressed me in angry tones, saying, "Now, just to show you what a +_blessed_ fool you are, you shall see an invoice of those very goods, +which I have just bought at fourteen shillings." I was mistaken, that +was very clear; but I said, "It appears that I am wrong as to those, +but here are other goods which no one but myself is making; can we do +business in these?" This put him in a violent rage, for he stormed as +he said, "No! You've made a _consummate_ fool of yourself by making +such a stupid remark. I've no confidence in you; and where I've no +confidence I'll never do business." By this time I was getting a +little warm myself, and as I fastened up my case of patterns, I said, +"I hope, Mr. Shaw, that the want of your confidence won't be the death +of me. I always heard you were a queer fellow; but if you generally +treat people who call upon you on business in the way you have treated +me, I'm not at all surprised at the name you have in the town." He +looked at me furiously; came two or three strides towards me, as if he +would strike me; but, stopping suddenly, said, "I think you'd better +be off." "I quite agree with you, sir," I replied; "it's no use my +stopping here to be insulted." Upon this he returned to his private +office; the two clerks, who, during the "shindy," had been intently +searching inside their desks for something they had lost, now put down +the lids, and, looking at each other, grinned and tittered openly, +while I, to their intense relief, took up my hat and departed. + +Two or three weeks subsequently, I had completed an article in my +business which was strikingly novel, and I went out to show a sample +of it to my customers. Passing Mr. Shaw's warehouse, the thought +occurred to me that it would be good fun to call upon him again, and +I accordingly soon found myself on the scene of the former interview. +Mr. Shaw was there, and to my bold greeting, "Good morning, Mr. Shaw," +made a sulky-sounding acknowledgment. I went on--"I was here the other +day, and you told me you had no confidence in me; but I've plenty of +confidence in myself, and so I've come again." This seemed to amuse +him, and he asked, "Well, what is it?" I then showed him the sample +article, and told him the price was thirty-six shillings the gross. He +looked at it attentively, and said, "H'm! Costs you about eighteen." I +was in a bantering humour, and I replied, "No, I don't think it costs +me more than twelve; but I don't mean to sell any under thirty-six." +"Well," said he, "it's a very good thing. Send me ten gross." From +that moment we were excellent friends; I did business with him for +many years, and our intercourse was always warm and friendly. + +Mr. Shaw's father was originally a working maker of currycombs, an +article, before his day, entirely made by hand. In conjunction with +his brother, he invented and took out a patent for cutting out and +shaping the various parts by machinery, and so producing the entire +article much more cheaply than before. It was a great success; they +readily sold as many as they could produce, and their profit was +enormous; it has been estimated by a competent judge to have been as +high as two hundred per cent. They soon became rich, and established +themselves as home and foreign merchants, and when they died, left, +for that period, very large fortunes. They were both men of ability, +but of no education, and they retained to the last the coarse, habits +of their early life. Mr. Charles Shaw, the subject of this sketch, +was brought up in the factory, his daily associates being the working +people of the place. Having himself no _innate_ refinement, the want +of good examples, and the prevalence of bad ones, at this period of +his life, had a permanent effect upon his habits and manners, which +in all his after prosperity he could never shake off. Had he been +liberally educated, and in early life had associated with gentlemen, +he might have risen to be one of the leading men of the nation. He had +enormous energy and great powers of steady, plodding perseverance. He +had great influence over others, and his disposition, and capability +to lead and to command, were sufficient, had they been properly +trained and directed, to have carried him to a front rank in life. His +early disadvantages prevented him from becoming other than a "local" +celebrity; but, even circumscribed as he was, he was a very remarkable +instance of the combined effects of energy and method. He amassed a +very large fortune, and left in full and active operation several very +important trading concerns. Besides his various branches of foreign +commerce, he was a manufacturer of currycombs, iron and brass +candlesticks, frying pans, fenders, cast and cut nails, and various +other goods; and, upon the whole, he may be said to have been the most +active and efficient merchant and manufacturer, of his generation, in +the Midland Counties. + +In politics he was one of the very last of the old school of Tories, +and he occasionally acted as a leader of his party in the town. His +extreme opinions, and his blunt speech in relation to these matters, +frequently got him into "hot water." He was not a "newspaper +politician," for, singularly enough, he was rarely seen to look at +a newspaper, even at the news-room (then standing on the site now +occupied by the Inland Revenue Offices, on Bennetts Hill), which he +regularly frequented. Upon political topics, I am not aware that he +ever wrote a single line for publication in his whole life. + +Mr. Shaw was very generous to people for whom he had a liking. He +has assisted many scores of struggling men with heavy sums, on loan, +merely out of friendship. I happen to know of one case where he, for +fifteen or twenty years, continuously assisted a brother merchant, to +the tune of £10,000 to £15,000, on merely nominal security, for which +assistance he, for the most part, charged nothing whatever. + +In the great panic of 1837, Mr. Shaw, singly, saved the country from +ruin and disaster. At the time when the panic was at its height, and +the tension was as great as the country could bear, it became known +to a few that one of the great financial houses in Liverpool was +in extremities. They had accepted on American account to enormous +amounts, and no remittances were forthcoming. One Birmingham bank +alone held £90,000 worth of their paper, and acceptances to enormous +amounts were held in London, and in every manufacturing centre in +England, Ireland, and Scotland. Application had been made to the Bank +of England for assistance, to the amount of a million and a quarter, +and had been refused. Ruin seemed imminent, not only to the house +itself, but to the whole country. The calamities of 1825 seemed about +to be repeated, and alarm was universal. Mr. Shaw took up the matter +with his usual skill and wonderful energy. He went to London, and +had three interviews with the Governor of the Bank of England and the +Chancellor of the Exchequer--Mr. Francis Baring--in one day. He told +them that they had no choice; that they _must_ grant the required +relief; that to refuse would be equivalent to a revolution, and would +involve national loss to probably fifty times the amount now required. +He undertook to obtain security to a large amount in Birmingham alone. +Only the other day I had in my hand a bill for £8,000, given by one +Birmingham merchant, as a portion of this security. He succeeded. The +relief was granted. The house recovered its position, and still holds +on its prosperous way; but, except the consciousness of well-doing, +Mr. Shaw had no reward. The pecuniary value of his services to his +country in this extremity it is impossible to estimate; it is enough +to say here that they out-weighed, and cast into the shade, his many +personal faults and weaknesses. I have always thought, and still +think, that the Government ought at least to have knighted him, as +only a very slight acknowledgment of the invaluable and peculiar +service he had rendered to the nation. + +Almost everybody knows that Mr. Shaw was, for many years, chairman of +the _old_ Birmingham Banking Company. In this capacity he was no +doubt the means of introducing a large amount of profitable business. +Unfortunately for the company, the manager of the branch establishment +at Dudley made enormous advances to an ironmaster in that locality. +The amount at length became so large that the directorate became +alarmed, and deputed their chairman, Mr. Shaw, to see what could best +be done for the interests of the bank. Mr. Shaw took the matter in +hand. There was a good deal of secrecy about his manner of treating +the matter, and eventually some of his colleagues on the direction +were suspicious that he was making use of his position in the bank for +his own advantage. He was called upon to show his private account with +the concern in question, to which he gave an unqualified refusal. His +colleagues intimated to him that he must either do so or resign. The +next post brought his resignation. Offering no opinion either way, +but looking at the transaction as an outsider, I think it was an +unfortunate business "all round." The bank lost money, and eventually +collapsed, but I fully believed then, and I always shall believe, that +if Charles Shaw had been at the helm, the bank never would have closed +its doors. I believe he had energy enough, and influence sufficient, +to have averted that great calamity; and I am firmly of opinion that +the company had sufficient vitality to have overcome the drain upon +its resources, and that it might at this moment have been in vigorous +existence. + +Many amusing stories are current as to Mr. Shaw's shrewd and keen +transactions, and of cases where he himself was overreached. One of +the best of these he used to tell with much humour. + +When the Great Western Company cut through Birmingham, for their line +to the North, a cemetery, pretty well filled, was on the route they +selected. It was the Quakers' burial place, adjoining Monmouth Street, +exactly where the Arcade commences. Mr. Shaw, being a director, +negotiated the purchase of many Birmingham properties. This burial +ground was one, and the Quaker community had for their agent a very +shrewd spokesman. Shaw and he had a very tough fight, for the Quaker +drove a hard bargain. At length terms were settled, and a memorandum +signed. The negotiations had then lasted so long, that the contractors +were waiting for this plot of land to go on with the work. Mr. Shaw +therefore asked for immediate possession. "Oh, no, friend Shaw," said +the Quaker, "not until the money's paid." This caused further delay, +and annoyed Shaw. Preliminary matters being settled, the money was +eventually handed over, and Shaw obtained the keys. The next day the +Quaker appeared and said, "Now, friend Shaw, as everything is settled, +I am come to arrange for the removal of the remains of our friends who +are buried there." "Don't you wish you may get it?" said Shaw; "we've +bought the freehold; all it contains is our property, and we shall +give up nothing." This was a surprise, indeed, for the Quaker. He had +nothing to say as to the position Shaw had taken up, and he had to +submit to the modification of many stringent conditions in the deed of +sale, before Shaw would give way. + +Such, sketched in a hasty manner, is an attempt to portray the +apparently contradictory character of Charles Shaw. It may be a +failure; but it, at least, is an honest endeavour. Such men are rare, +and the ability to translate into words their peculiar mental +workings is rarer still. I, however, shall be bold to say that if few +Birmingham men have had so many failings, none probably have possessed +so much commercial courage and ability. + +Soon after his retirement from the Board of the Birmingham Bank, +he had a slight attack of paralysis, from which he never properly +recovered. Others followed at intervals, with the result that his +fine physique was completely broken up. In the first week of December, +1864, I spoke to him on the platform of the Great Western Railway at +Snow Hill. He was being half carried to the train, on his way to +the sea-side. He never returned to Birmingham, but died at Brighton, +January 4th, 1865, being 73 years of age. He was buried in the +Churchyard of St. George's, Great Hampton Row. + + + + +ROBERT WALTER WINFIELD, J.P. + + +Mr. Joshua Scholefield, who had represented Birmingham from its +incorporation in 1832, having been elected five times, died somewhat +unexpectedly in July, 1844. The Liberal party in the town was then +in a somewhat disorganised condition, and there was considerable +difference of opinion as to the choice of his successor. A large +majority was disposed favourably towards his son, Mr. William +Scholefield. The more advanced section of the party was of opinion +that the many services of Mr. Joseph Sturge to the Liberal cause were +such as to entitle him to a place in Parliament. Neither section +of the party would give way. The Conservatives, who had previously +contested four elections unsuccessfully, in two of which Mr. Richard +Spooner had been the candidate, saw that the divided ranks of +their opponents gave them a better chance of success than they had +previously had, and they brought forward Mr. Spooner again. This +time he was successful, the result of the poll being that Mr. Spooner +received 2,095 votes; Mr. W. Scholefield, 1,735; and Mr. Sturge, 346. + +I was living in London at the time, but had arranged to spend a few +days in August with a friend at Edgbaston. He was a Conservative, and +I a Liberal; but before I came down he had taken a ticket in my name, +which entitled me to be present at the only purely Conservative dinner +at which I was ever present. It was given at the Racket Court Inn, in +Sheepcote Street, by the Conservative electors of Ladywood Ward, to +celebrate Mr. Spooner's return. + +[Illustration] + +By virtue of my introduction, and in deference to me as a stranger, +I was placed near the chairman at table. He was a man of singularly +bland and kindly manners, and there was a frank and manly modesty in +his style that attracted my notice at once. In simple but appropriate, +in unaffected yet dignified, phraseology, he went through the usual +"loyal and patriotic" toasts. When it came to the toast of the day, +he rose and congratulated the company upon the triumph of those +principles which they all conscientiously believed to be right and +true. There was no exultation over a discomfited foe. There ran all +through the speech a benevolent and friendly feeling for both of the +defeated candidates. Still, there was the outspoken feeling of intense +gratification that the cause which he supported had been victorious. I +have seldom listened to a speech where joy for a victory was so +little mixed with exultation over the vanquished. In fact, although +I differed altogether from the speaker in politics, I felt that the +speech was that of a man devoid of all bitterness, whose kindness of +spirit led him to rejoice, not over the defeat of his opponents, but +at the success of his own cause. Tie speech was in excellent taste +from beginning to end. + +The chairman was Robert Walter Winfield, and this was the first time +I had met him. His singular courtesy to myself, as a stranger, I shall +never forget. His perfect self-possession, when some of the company +became a little too demonstrative, kept the table in perfect order. +When he retired, my friend took his seat, and slily poured me a glass +from Mr. Winfield's decanter. I found then, that during that long +afternoon he had taken nothing but toast and water, which had been +prepared to resemble sherry, and which he had taken from a wine-glass +as if it were wine. + +I cannot say that I ever became very intimate with Mr. Winfield, +although we knew each other pretty well; but limited as my means of +acquaintanceship were, I watched his life with interest, because he +struck me always as being one of the very few men I have known, who +have been able to bear great success without becoming giddy with the +elevation; who have gone through life modestly and without assumption; +and who have won thereby the esteem of all those whose esteem has been +worth caring for. + +Robert Walter Winfield was descended from an ancient family, which +had been settled in Leicestershire for several generations. His +grandfather, Edward Winfield, came to Birmingham about the middle of +the last century, and resided in a large house, on the site of the +Great Western Railway Station in Snow Hill. Here Mr. Winfield's father +was born. He was a man of independent means, but appears for some +short time to have been engaged as a merchant. He married a lady from +Loughborough, named Randon, and built for his own occupation the house +in the Hagley Road, Edgbaston, now occupied by Mr. Alfred Hill, the +son of the late eminent Recorder of Birmingham, Matthew Davenport +Hill. The house is now called "Davenport House." It was, I believe, +the first house erected on the Calthorpe estate. In this house, in +April, 1799, Robert Walter Winfield, the third son, was born. His +father died in his childhood. After his education was complete, +his mother placed him with Mr. Benjamin Cooke, whose name as a +manufacturer is still remembered in Birmingham. Mr. Winfield's mind, +being a peculiarly receptive one, readily grasped all the details of +the business, and he soon wished to enter life on his own account. His +trustees having great faith in his prudence and industry, advanced +him the necessary capital, and he commenced business before he was +twenty-one years of age. Just at the bend which Cambridge Street takes +to arrive at the Crescent, there is a stuccoed building, almost hidden +by the lofty piles around it. In this building he started on his +commercial career, and in these works he continued to carry on his +business until his death, some fifty years afterwards. + +Beginning in a comparatively small way, he started with a strict +determination to conduct his business upon thoroughly honest and +truthful principles. He had the sagacity to see that the surest way +to success was to gain the confidence of his customers, and he firmly +held through life to the system of rigid adherence to truth; to the +plan of always making _honest_ goods; and to the avoidance of every +kind of misrepresentation as to the quality of his wares. He used to +say that all through his long and successful business career he never +lost a customer through misrepresentation on his part, and that +he generally found that one transaction with a fresh man secured a +permanent customer. + +Another leading principle in his business programme was to employ +the best workmen he could find, and the highest talent for superior +offices he could secure. He probably paid higher wages and salaries +than any manufacturer in the district. This proved to be wise economy +in the long-run, for his goods became famous for excellence in design +and workmanship, and were sought and prized in every market of the +world. + +As his business fame increased, the development of his trade became +enormous. Pile after pile of extensive blocks of buildings rose, one +after another, on ground adjoining the original manufactory, until at +length the entire establishment covered many acres of ground. Many of +these buildings were five or six storeys high. The machinery and tools +were all of the very best quality that could be obtained, and use +was invariably made of every suitable scientific appliance as soon as +discovered. For many years Mr. Aitken, whose name in Birmingham will +always be remembered in connection with Art, was at the head of the +designing department of the works. His correct knowledge and wonderful +skill in the application of correct principles of form and colour +to articles of manufacture for daily use, raised the fame of Mr. +Winfield's house as high, artistically, as it was for excellence of +material and workmanship. + +Mr. Winfield was one of the first, if not the very earliest, to apply +the stamping process to the production of cornices, cornice-pole ends, +curtain bands, and other similar goods. The singular purity of colour +which, by skilful "dipping" and lacquering, he was able to produce, +at a period when such matters were little attended to, secured for his +goods a good deal of admiration and a ready sale. At the time of the +great Exhibition of 1851, the goods he exhibited obtained for him the +highest mark of approval--the Council Gold Medal. The Jury of Experts +reported, in reference to his brasswork, that, "for brilliancy of +polish, and flatness and equality of the 'dead' or 'frosted' portions, +he stood very high; and that in addition to very perfect workmanship, +there frequently appeared considerable evidence of a feeling for +harmony and for a just proportion and arrangement of parts." It is +also mentioned that "in the manufacture of metallic bedsteads he has +earned a deservedly high reputation." + +In addition to his brassfoundry trade, he gradually added the +manufacture of brass, copper, and tin tubing, gas-fittings and +chandeliers, iron and brass bedsteads, ship's fittings, brass fittings +for shop fronts, and general architectural ornamental metal work of +all kinds. He afterwards purchased the large establishment near his +own works, called the Union Rolling Mill, where he carried on a very +extensive wholesale trade in rolled metals of every kind, and brass +and copper wire of all descriptions; and he was, for forty years, +largely engaged in the coal business. + +For a very long period Mr. Winfield was the sole proprietor of the +extensive business he had created. He was assisted by his only son, +Mr. John Fawkener Winfield, whose promising career was cut short by +untimely death. This was a blow from which Mr. Winfield never entirely +recovered. He soon afterwards took into partnership his relative, Mr. +C. Weston, and his old confidential clerk, Mr. J. Atkins. His health +began to fail about this time, and he retired from the active control +of the concern, retaining, however, his position as head of the firm +until his death. + +His marvellous success did not arise altogether from brilliant mental +qualities. I am disposed to attribute it to higher reasons. It seems +to me that his high moral sense of integrity and right, and the +benevolence of his character, had more to do with it. These led him +constantly through life to give his customers excellence of quality in +the goods he made, combined with moderation in price. In the execution +of a contract he always gave better rather than inferior goods than +he had agreed to supply. He would never permit any deterioration +of quality either in material or workmanship. Where his competitors +sought to reduce the cost of production, so as to enable them to +sell their goods cheaper, his ambition led him to raise and improve +quality. The fact of his goods being always honestly made, of good +materials well put together, gave him the preference whenever articles +of sterling excellence were required. He was one to whom the stigma +implied in the term "Brummagem" would not apply, for he consistently +carried out principles of integrity in business, and so earned for +himself the right to be held up as a type of a high-minded, upright, +conscientious English merchant. + +But he had a higher and a nobler mission than that of mere +money-getting. He was a practical philanthropist. Quietly, modestly, +unostentatiously, "he went about doing good." Placed in a position of +command over many young people, he, early in life, recognised the fact +that his duty to them was not fully done when he had paid them +their wages. He resolved to do his best to raise them, mentally and +socially. In this he was so successful, that at this moment there are +many men occupying positions in life unattainable by them but for his +assistance. There are clergymen, merchants, musical professors, and +others, who began life as boys at Winfield's; and there are probably +some scores of large manufactories now in active operation in the +town, the principals of which, but for Mr. Winfield's large-hearted +and practical provision, would have remained in the ignorance in which +he found them. + +Some thirty or forty years ago there was, nearly opposite the +manufactory in Cambridge Street, a long, low, upper room, which was +used as a place of worship by a small body of Dissenters, and was +called Zoar Chapel. Mr. Winfield became the tenant of this place for +week-day evenings, and opened it as a night-school for the boys in his +employ. In order to secure punctuality of attendance, he made the rule +compulsory that every boy in the factory under eighteen years of age +should attend this school at least three times a week. There was ample +provision made for teaching, and no charge was made. The proceedings +each night opened with singing, and closed with a short prayer. Once a +week regularly, Mr. Winfield, Jun., held a Bible Class. Occasionally, +too, the father would do so, and he frequently attended and delivered +a short and simple address. Many parents eagerly sought employment for +their children at the works, that their sons might secure the benefit +of the school, and Mr. Winfield soon had the "pick" of the youths of +the town. The school attendance grew rapidly, and the little chapel +was soon found too narrow. Larger premises were taken, and a class for +young men was established. This class Mr. J.F. Winfield--then rapidly +rising to manhood--took under his own charge, while the juniors were +under the care of voluntary teachers. + +So beneficial in every way was the little institution found to +be, that it was resolved to develop it further. Mr. John +Winfield--inheriting his father's practically benevolent +spirit--matured a plan, and requested his father to celebrate his +coming majority by carrying it into effect. This was done, and the +handsome school-room which now occupies a central position in the +works was erected. Upon this building, including the cost of an organ +and of the necessary fittings, Mr. Winfield spent no less than £2,000. +The instruction was no longer left to voluntary effort. A properly +qualified schoolmaster was engaged, and the Government Inspector was +requested to pay periodical visits. Drawing was made a special feature +of the instruction, and the successful pupils in this class received +Government rewards. Music also was taught. In fact, the school became +a model of what an educational establishment should be. Once every +year--on Whit Thursday--there was a _fête_ at The Hawthorns, to which +the scholars were invited. These gatherings were looked forward to +with much pleasure, and few were absent. Music was provided, and +appropriate addresses were delivered. Sumptuous hospitality was shown, +and every effort was made to make these occasions socially enjoyable +and morally beneficial. The prizes and certificates of proficiency +were distributed in the school-room, at Christmas, in the presence of +the whole of the _employés_ of the establishment. + +The school soon obtained more than local fame, and was visited +from time to time by distinguished persons. At the time of the +establishment of the Institution of Social Science, when the great +Lord Brougham delivered his magnificent inaugural oration in the Town +Hall, he was the guest of Mr. J.F. Winfield, and visited the works. +The pupils and workpeople were collected in the school, and there had +the gratification of listening to some of the wise words of that "old +man eloquent." At this time the average nightly attendance at the +school was something like 250 pupils. No one can calculate the good +that has resulted from the establishment of this institution. No one +can tell the feeling of gratitude that still rises in the minds of +hundreds of well-to-do people for the benefits they there received. +It has been very gratifying to me on many occasions to see in pleasant +villas and cozy cottages the engraved portrait of Mr. Winfield, +occupying a place of honour on the wall, and to hear gray-headed men +say of him that he was the best friend they ever had, and that but for +him they might have remained in the degradation from which he assisted +them to rise. + +Mr. Winfield could scarcely be called a public man. Early in life he +served the office of High Bailiff, and was placed upon the Commission +of the Peace. He did not, upon the incorporation of the town, seek +municipal honours, and he rarely took part in political action. He was +a very warmly-attached member of the Church of England, and in this +connection was ardently Conservative; but, although nominally a +Conservative, he was truly Liberal in all secular affairs. He was an +earnest helper in the movement for the better education of the people, +and their elevation in other respects. He certainly always took the +Conservative side at election times, but he never attempted unduly to +influence his _employés_. Indeed, on polling days it was his habit to +throw open the gates of his manufactory, so that his men might have +full liberty to go and record their votes as they pleased. Whenever he +did appear on a public platform, it was to aid by his presence or his +advocacy the cause of the Church to which he was so much devoted, or +to assist in some charitable or scholastic effort. + +As a magistrate, he was one of the most regular attendants at the +Public Office. I have seen him there many times, and have frequently +been struck with the thought that when he passed sentence, it never +sounded like an expression of the revenge of society for a wrong that +had been done, but seemed rather to resemble the sorrowing reproof of +a father, hoping by stern discipline to restrain erring conduct in a +disobedient child. + +Very early in life he married Lucy, the only surviving child of Mr. +John Fawkener, of Shrewsbury, and took up his residence in a large red +brick house in New Street, which has only lately been pulled down. It +stood nearly opposite the rooms of the Society of Artists. Its last +occupant was Mr. Sharman, professor of music. About the year 1828, +Mr. Winfield built a house in the Ladywood Road, which he named "The +Hawthorns," and here he resided all his life. The neighbourhood +was then entirely open, and from his house to his manufactory was a +pleasant walk amid fields, through the noble avenue of elms that led +to Ladywood House and Vincent Street bridge, and from thence by the +bank of the canal to the Crescent. I often walked to town in his +company, and admired with him the gorgeous apple blossoms of the trees +in the valley now filled up by the railway. We stood together one day +in 1846 or 1847, and saw the first barrowful of soil removed from the +canal bank, near the Crescent bridge, to form the opening which is now +the railway tunnel. + +In private life few men have been more generally beloved. He was the +embodiment of kindliness and consideration for everybody. His domestic +servants and workpeople were warmly devoted to him, and many of them +remained nearly all their lives in his service. Only very recently +one of his domestic servants, who had continued after his death in the +service of a member of his family, died at an advanced age, +fifty-five years after entering his household. He was essentially a +"domesticated" man, and his conduct as a husband and father was marked +by unvarying benevolent regard and affectionate consideration. The +death, in 1861, of his only son was the great trial of his life. His +hopes and his ambitions had culminated in this son; and when he was +removed, the father staggered under the blow, and never properly +overcame the shock it gave him. From that time he gradually failed in +health, and retired from active life. Change of scene and release from +labour were of no avail. He eventually became a confirmed invalid, and +on the 16th of December, 1869, he passed away, to the great grief +of his family. His loss was greatly deplored by his domestics +and workpeople, and the whole population of Birmingham joined in +expressions of regret at the loss of one who was so universally +beloved and respected. + +He was followed to his grave in the beautiful churchyard at Perry Barr +by the few surviving members of his family, by many friends, and by +the whole of the people employed at the works. The day was a bitter +wintry one, and the rain came down heavily. It was a touching sight; +thousands stood bare-headed beneath the inclement sky, as the body of +their friend was laid to its rest, and, amid sobs and tears, joined +with tremulous voices in singing-- + + "Earthly cavern, to thy keeping + We commit our brother's dust; + Keep it safely, softly sleeping, + Till our Lord demand thy trust." + + + + +CHARLES GEACH, M.P. + + +I mentioned, in the sketch of Mr. Gillott, that all the members of the +Edgbaston Quoit Club had very large heads, and that this fact seemed +to bear out the phrenological theory, that size of head was indicative +of mental power. As a further proof I may mention here, that the late +Mr. Charles Geach had the largest head in Birmingham. I was told by +the tradesman who used to supply him with hats, that such was the +extraordinary size of his head, that his hats had always to be +specially made for him. The theory in his case certainly was fully +justified, for if ever a man lived who had powerful mental qualities, +it was the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. + +Mr. Geach was born in the county of Cornwall, in the year 1808; and at +a suitable age took a situation as junior clerk in the head office of +the Bank of England, in London. There, his quickness, accuracy, and +ready grasp of complicated matters, soon proved to his superiors that +he was no ordinary youth, and he was rapidly promoted. In 1826, when +the branch was established in Birmingham, Captain Nichols, the first +manager, who had noticed Geach at work, sought and obtained permission +from the directors to include him in the staff of clerks which he +brought down. Geach, accordingly, at the age of 18, came to the town +with which his whole future life was destined to be connected. + +For ten years he worked assiduously as a clerk, rapidly rising in +position at the bank, quickly attaching to himself a large circle of +friends, and gradually securing amongst business men a character for +industry, perseverance, sagacity, and courtesy. In 1836 he was engaged +in the establishment of two of the local banks, and in August of that +year he became manager of the Birmingham and Midland Bank. + +Mr. Geach, in the days of his great prosperity, often referred with +manly pride and becoming modesty to these early days. I remember some +twenty years ago his coming down specially from the House of Commons +one night to take the chair, at the Temperance Hall, at a meeting of +the Provident Clerks' Association. In the course of his remarks that +evening, he spoke of the mercantile clerks as a body for whom he +should always feel sympathy; a class to which he felt it to be an +honour to have once belonged, and from which he himself had only +so recently emerged. He mentioned then, that "when he first came to +Birmingham some twenty-five years before, he did not know a soul in +the place which had since elected him to be its Mayor, and in which he +had, by industry and prudence, gained the esteem of so many friends, +and achieved a position very far beyond his expectations and his +merits." Only a very few weeks before his death, he made some +observations of a similar character, at the annual dinner given by the +Midland Bank Directors. Indeed, it was his frequent habit to point out +to young men that, by the practice of habits of industry, prudence, +diligence, and observation, success such as his--in kind, if not in +degree--was open to them. + +Soon after Mr. Geach came to live in Birmingham, he took apartments at +Handsworth. An attachment soon sprung up between him and the daughter +of a Mr. Skally, who kept a school at Villa Cross. After a short +courtship, the young couple were married, Mr. Geach then being about +24 years of age. The house in which he wooed and won his wife is +now an inn. It stands at the angle formed by the junction of the +Heathfield Road and the Lozells Lane; and is known by the sign of the +Villa Cross Tavern. + +When the Midland Bank was opened, Mr. Geach went to reside on the +premises, and here he lived for about ten years. He removed, about +1846, to Wheeleys Hill, and from thence, a few years later, he went +to reside at a large mansion at Chad Hill. For the last two or three +years of his life he lived principally in London, occupying the house, +No. 9, Park Street, Westminster. + +About the year 1840, the Park Gate Iron Manufacturing Company was in +active operation at Rotherham, near Sheffield. Most of the shares +were held in Birmingham, and the directors, with one exception, were +Birmingham men. They were Joshua Scholefield, Joseph Gibbins, Henry +Van Wart, Thomas Pemberton, Samuel A. Goddard, and Samuel Evans, of +Cradley. For a time the company was prosperous, but about 1842 came a +revulsion, and iron rapidly fell in price from £10 to £5 per ton. The +company became greatly embarrassed. Most of the directors became +sick of the concern, and lost all interest in it. The business was +neglected by all the directors except the two last named. At one +period the company was in such straits that their bills would have +been dishonoured had not Mr. Goddard given his private cheque on the +Bank of England for £3,000. At this period Mr. Geach was consulted, +and after some negotiations he bought the whole concern for an old +song. The nominal purchaser was Mr. Joshua Scholefield, but, somehow, +Mr. Geach had secured for himself the largest share. The business was +now carefully looked after, and began to recover itself. All at once +came the "railway mania" of 1844 and 1845, when all England went mad +for a time. George Hudson, the linen draper of York, from whom I once +took an order in his little shop near the Cathedral, was then the +most notable man in the country. He soon became known as the "Railway +King," and, as he was presumed to have the faculty of transforming +everything into gold, he was _fêted_ and almost worshipped by all +classes of society. Under the excitement created by visions of untold +wealth derived from making railways, iron rapidly rose in price to +double its recent value. Mr. Geach at this time, I am able to state +upon competent living authority, "took three orders for 30,000 tons of +railroad iron, at £12, which did not cost over £6 per ton." This laid +the foundation of Mr. Geach's marvellous success, and from this period +he commenced to identify himself with large enterprises, until at +length he was associated with some of the most important mercantile +transactions of the period. + +About this time there was living at Wednesbury an eccentric +Independent Minister named Hardy. He is still remembered there for +his extraordinary fancy for preaching about the "seven golden +candlesticks." When he took this topic for a sermon, his hearers knew +that for six or seven Sundays at least he would speak of nothing else. +And, lest his hearers should not be duly impressed with the subject, +his practice was never to go more than a year or two without going +over the whole ground anew. This worthy minister was somewhat of a +mechanic, and in connection with a coach-axle maker named Rollason, +the plan was conceived of "faggoting" bars of iron radially round +a centre-bar, so that the laminæ of the iron should range like the +concentric rings in a tree. The chief difficulty was the necessity +of rolling the axles before they could be hammered. Mr. Dodd, of the +Horseley Works, showed how this could be done by a reversing action, +and Mr. Hardy patented both processes. Mr. H. Wright, who was +afterwards a partner in the works, tells me that he assisted to draw +up the specifications. Money being wanted to work the concern, a small +private company was formed with a capital of £2,000. Mr. Hardy was +manager, and Mr. T. Walker was clerk. This company was carried on for +about two years, when, becoming involved, and none of the partners +caring to invest more money in it, application was made to Mr. Geach. +This was in 1838. + +Mr. Geach, perceiving the superiority of Hardy's method over any +other, induced some twelve or more gentlemen to join in the purchase +of the works and patents, Mr. Wright and Mr. Hardy being of the +number. The new company assumed the name of the "Patent Shaft and +Axletree Company." Mr. Wright was appointed general manager; Mr. Hardy +superintended the forge; and Mr. Walker assisted generally. Mr. Hardy +withdrew about 1840, when Mr. Walker took the management of the forge. +In 1841, Mr. Wright removed to Rotherham, to manage the Park Gate +Works, and Mr. Walker became sole manager of the Shaft and Axletree +business. In 1844, Mr. Geach bought out all the partners--Mr. Wright +being the last--and so became the sole proprietor. Up to this time +there had been no financial success, and no dividends had been paid. +About this time the sudden rise in prices, consequent upon the railway +enterprise of the period and the enormous demand for the manufactures +of the works, turned the fortunes of the concern, which then commenced +its career of marvellous success. It soon became one of the most +important concerns in Staffordshire. It was carried on by Mr. Geach, +as sole proprietor, until his death, when Mr. Walker purchased it. It +was soon afterwards converted into a limited liability company, and +it is now, under the chairmanship of Mr. Walker, who has been so +long connected with it, one of the best conducted and most prosperous +concerns in the district. The present number of people employed in the +establishment is about six thousands. + +In addition to these two important concerns, Mr. Geach was a partner +in a large manufactory near Dudley. He was extensively engaged as a +contractor for several railway companies. He was an active promoter +and director of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, and +of the Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railways. He was also one of the +_concessionnaires_ of the Western Railway of France; and to his +wonderful administrative ability and power of organisation the success +of that company is mainly due. + +Although so closely connected with the railway interest, and although, +as a proprietor in most of the leading railway companies, he was +constantly called upon to attend meetings, his great energies found +other spheres of action. He was a promoter, and one of the most active +directors, of the Crystal Palace Company, at Sydenham; and he was a +director of the Great Eastern Steam-ship Company. + +Busy as his commercial life was, he found time to devote to duties +of a more public character. In 1843 or 1844 he was elected one of the +Aldermen of Birmingham. Here he was very active and useful. Up to his +time, the finances of the Borough had been managed with little skill +or system. His great financial knowledge, and his clear vision of the +right and the wrong, in public book-keeping, enabled him to suggest, +and to carry into operation, great improvements in the management of +the Corporation accounts. In 1847 he was Mayor, and in that office +won the goodwill of everyone by his suavity of manner and his untiring +industry. Two or three years afterwards, the pressure of other duties +compelled him to retire from municipal office. + +It is needless to tell Birmingham men that in politics Mr. Geach was +a Liberal. His public political life commenced at the time of the +agitation for the repeal of the Corn Laws. During that exciting period +he was the guiding spirit of the local Association, and transacted +the whole of the business with the central body at Manchester. He was +active in promoting the elections of his friends, Joshua and William +Scholefield, with both of whom he was on terms of intimate friendship. +His political creed was very wide and eminently practical. He had +no abstract theories to which everything must bend. His eye saw at a +glance the right thing to do, and he set to work energetically to do +it, or to get it done. + +In the year 1851 there was a vacancy in the representation of the city +of Coventry, and Mr. Geach was solicited to stand as a candidate. I +saw him on the platform of the old railway station, in Duddeston Row, +on his way to the nomination. He was very reliant, and spoke of the +certainty he felt that he should be successful. There was, however, +no excitement, and no undue elevation at the prospect of the crowning +honour of his life being so near his grasp. He was opposed by Mr. +Hubbard, the eminent London financier, and by Mr. Strutt, who was +afterwards created Lord Belper; but he was returned by a considerable +majority, and at a subsequent election he was unopposed. He held the +seat until his death. + +In a very short time after his election, he began to take part in the +debates. He was not a fluent speaker; indeed he was hesitating, and +sometimes his sentences were much involved; but, as he never spoke +except upon topics with which he was perfectly familiar, he was +listened to with the respect and attention which are always, in the +House of Commons, accorded to those who have "something to say." Upon +financial topics he soon was looked upon as an authority, and there +were many who looked upon him as a possible future Chancellor of the +Exchequer. + +Soon after his return to Parliament he became the host of the +illustrious Hungarian patriot, Louis Kossuth. It was in Mr. Geach's +carriage that the great exile rode triumphantly through the crowded +streets of Birmingham, amid the plaudits of the entire population. Few +who saw it can forget how Geach's face was lighted up with smiles of +delight, as he sat beside Kossuth in his progress, with George Dawson +on the box. Kossuth, albeit not unused to the applause and ovations +of his grateful countrymen, said that he had never before received +himself, or seen in the case of others, so magnificent and +enthusiastic a reception. + +In person, Mr. Geach was tall, and stoutly built. His height was, +probably, two or three inches beyond six feet. He had a bright, +clear, fair complexion, and an ample brow. His face would have been +strikingly handsome but for an undue preponderance of the under jaw, +which gave the lower part of the face too massive an appearance. He +had singularly agreeable manners. His grasp of the hand was firm and +cordial. He was entirely free from the "airs" which some self-made men +put on. In his appearance there was evidence of power and influence +that rendered any assumption superfluous. He was always ready to +listen, and to give his friends the benefit of his large knowledge and +experience. He was very generous, even to those who had in early +life crossed his path. Only the other day I was told that one of his +greatest opponents having died in straitened circumstances, Geach took +charge of his sons, and placed them in positions to raise themselves +to opulence. In private life he was greatly beloved. A lady, who had +ample opportunities of forming a correct judgment, tells me that "as +a husband and father his excellence could not be exceeded; and +altogether he was the _very best_ man I have ever known." + +Soon after his retirement from the management of the Midland Bank, the +shareholders and directors, to mark their sense of his services, and +their esteem for him as a man, voted him a magnificent service of +plate. A fine full-length portrait was about the same time placed in +the board room of the bank. The painting is by Partridge, and is a +very excellent characteristic likeness of Mr. Geach in the prime of +his life. + +In the autumn of 1854 he was somewhat enfeebled by the pressure of +Parliamentary and commercial duties, and took a trip to Scotland to +recruit his strength. Soon after his return to London, he was seized +with an internal disorder, which reduced his strength very much. He +was recovering from this attack, when a return of an old affection +of one of his legs took place. From this time his ultimate recovery +seemed doubtful. It was at one time contemplated to amputate the left +foot, but in his prostrate condition this was considered unsafe and +hopeless. He gradually became weaker, and on Wednesday, November 1st, +1854, he died, in his 46th year. He left a widow and four children +to mourn his loss, and a larger circle than most men possess, of +warmly-attached friends to honour and respect his memory. + + + + +WILLIAM SANDS COX, F.R.S., &c. + + +Rather more than thirty years ago, I was very desirous to obtain an +influential introduction to Dr. Jephson. I mentioned my wish to an old +friend in Birmingham, who undertook to obtain one for me, and in a +few days told me that if I called upon Mr. Sands Cox, at his house in +Temple Row, some morning early, that gentleman would give me a letter +introducing me to the great Leamington physician. I accordingly +presented myself as directed, and was shown, by a somewhat +seedy-looking old woman--who evidently looked upon me with +considerable suspicion--into a small room in the front of the house, +where, seated at a writing-table, I found the subject of this sketch. + +I had expected to see a man of commanding appearance, with some +outward indication of mental power, and with the intelligent +brightness of eye and face which generally distinguishes men of +the consummate skill and extensive knowledge which I was told +he possessed. I was, however, greatly surprised to see only a +heavy-looking, middle-aged, rather bulky man, with a miser-like +expression of face. There was no fire in the room, and, for a cold +morning, he seemed to be rather thinly clad, his only attire being a +pair of trousers, without braces, and a night-shirt. The wearer +had evidently hurried from his bed-room to his study, without the +customary ablutions, and his tangled hair and scrubby beard were +innocent of comb and razor. On being invited to be seated, I with some +difficulty found a chair, for almost every square foot of surface in +the place--floor, chairs, tables, shelves, and every other "coign +of vantage"--was piled up with books, reports, law papers, printers' +proofs, and other literary matter, begrimed with dust, and apparently +in the most hopeless condition of muddle. On the table itself was +the opened correspondence of the day, and although it was very +early morning, a separated portion, consisting of fifteen or twenty +documents, and an equal number of letters already written, folded, +and neatly addressed, showed that he had been early at work; whilst +a large quantity of manuscript, thrown, sheet upon sheet, upon the +floor, and the stump of a candle, that had burnt very low in a very +dirty candlestick, proved conclusively that he had been hard at work +until late on the previous night. + +He received me with courteous politeness, read my note, and said how +happy he should be to comply with the request it contained; "but," +said he, "you must excuse me now. I have to finish my correspondence, +get my breakfast, and make myself a little more presentable. Will you +call again in an hour?" + +Of course I was punctual. I found him completely metamorphosed, and +he now--in a soberly-cut coat of black, a brilliant black satin +waistcoat, and white necktie--looked, as he always did in this dress, +like a well-to-do English country clergyman. He was quite ready for +me; handed me a very cordial recommendation to Dr. Jephson; and asked +if he might trouble me with a small parcel for the doctor. I found +afterwards that, in order to secure attention from a man whose time +was so fully occupied, he had entrusted me with a presentation copy of +a work he had just published, on "The Amputation of a Leg at the Hip +Joint," an operation which, he had recently, I believe for the first +time in English surgery, successfully performed. + +Such was my introduction to William Sands Cox, and such the +commencement of an acquaintance which resulted in intimacy of many +years' duration, in the course of which I had frequent opportunities +of studying his character, and becoming acquainted with his many +peculiarities. + +The family to which he belonged was one of the oldest in Warwickshire. +His ancestors for many generations resided in the neighbourhood of +Stratford-on-Avon. His father, the late Edward Townsend Cox, came +to Birmingham in the latter part of the eighteenth century. He was +articled to Mr. Kennedy of Steelhouse Lane--father of Rann Kennedy. He +afterwards practised, with great success, as a surgeon, for more than +half a century, dying at a very advanced age, only a very few years +ago. His quaint figure, as he drove about the town in an antiquated +phaeton, drawn by a patriarchal pony, must be familiar to the memory +of all but the most juvenile readers. + +William Sands Cox was born in 1802, in the house now occupied as +offices by Mr. Barrows, No. 38, Cannon Street. Being intended by his +father for the medical profession, he had a most liberal education; +and, after passing a few years as assistant to his father, he was sent +(a most unusual course at that time) to complete his studies at the +very best medical schools in London and on the continent. + +Upon his return to Birmingham, his foreign experiences enabled him to +see that the greater number of country practitioners of that time were +sadly deficient in medical and surgical knowledge; were lamentably +ignorant of anatomy, pathology, and general science; and were greatly +wanting in general culture. With rare self-denial he, instead of +acquiring, as he easily might, a lucrative private practice, resolved +to devote his life to the elevation of the character, and to the +more regular and scientific education and instruction, of the future +members of the profession to which he belonged. + +With this view, he started a modest medical and surgical class-room +in Snow Hill. He soon collected a number of pupils, and, in order to +secure greater accommodation, he, about the year 1830, removed to an +old chapel in Paradise Street. This, having been properly fitted up, +was named the "School of Medicine," and it soon became a recognised +institution. Being enriched from time to time by collections of +medical and surgical preparations and appliances, it gradually grew in +size and importance, and, being generously and very largely endowed by +many benevolent persons, was eventually incorporated by Royal Charter +as the "Queen's College." From this time the indefatigable founder +determined that it should be worthy of the illustrious name it bore. +From his own resources; by his father's assistance; by the aid of many +influential inhabitants of the town; and by persistent appeals to the +rich and benevolent of all ranks, money was rapidly accumulated. At +length, with the princely and munificent assistance of Dr. Warneford, +he had the satisfaction of seeing the noble buildings that adorn +Paradise Street completed, and the kindred institution, the Queen's +Hospital, in full and successful operation. + +There was something marvellous in the power he possessed of +influencing others. He was by no means fluent of speech; his manners +were shy, awkward, and retiring. He had little grace of person or ease +in conversation, yet he somehow was more successful than most men of +his time in winning friends, and obtaining aid for the great work he +had set himself to accomplish. Probably his indomitable perseverance +lay at the root of the secret. How he influenced the good Dr. +Warneford has long been matter of record. From first to last, I +believe I am within the mark when I mention £25,000 as the sum which +he induced Dr. Warneford to bestow upon the two institutions. As I +write, I have before me a letter written from the Doctor's house to a +member of the College Council, of which the following is a transcript: + + "Bourton-on-the Hill, January 9th, 1852. + + "My dear Sir,--I had the pleasure of submitting our supplemental + charter this morning to Dr. Warneford. I have the gratification to + announce a donation of £10,000. + + "I remain, my dear Sir, yours faithfully, + + "WILLIAM SANDS COX." + +The amount of labour Mr. Cox expended for the benefit of the Queen's +Hospital was something beyond belief. Early and late he was busy for its +advantage; thousands of autograph letters appealing for help fell from +his pen. No chance of help was too remote for him to see; no one too +high in rank for him to appeal to; no one so poor but could be asked to +do something. It was he who brought Jenny Lind to sing gratuitously for +its benefit. It was he who induced managers of theatres, music halls, +and other places of amusement, to set apart certain nights as "Queen's +Hospital Nights." It was he who obtained Her Majesty's patronage and +support; and "last, but not least," it was he who organised the annual +ball at the Town Hall, which for fifteen or twenty years was the most +fashionable and delightful re-union in Birmingham, and which brought in +a very large annual profit to the funds of the hospital. His appeals to +noblemen and gentlemen to become stewards at these balls were literally +strewed broadcast through the land. Amongst others, he was bold enough +once to ask the great Duke of Wellington; and he used to show, with some +pride, the letter he received in reply, which was written in the Duke's +most characteristic manner. The original, I believe, still hangs, +framed, in the Secretary's room at the hospital; and as I think it +likely to be interesting, as a specimen of the Duke's epistolary powers +and peculiarities, I append a copy: + + "Strathfield Saye, Dec. 11, 1842. + + "F.M. the Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Mr. Cox and + regrets much that his time is so much occupied that it is impossible + for him to be able to find leisure to attend to the duties of the + office of a Steward of a Ball. He hopes, therefore that he will be + excused for declining to be nominated to fill an office the duties + of which he cannot undertake to perform. + + "W. Sands Cox, Eqre." + +The last time I saw Mr. Cox, in connection with these institutions, +was in 1862, at the time of the great bazaar on behalf of the +hospital. It was a hard week's work for many, and it resulted in a +profit of about £3,500. Mr. Cox's homely figure during that week, was +"here, there, and everywhere," encouraging everybody, and assisting in +every way, even to helping the college porter to carry large and heavy +hampers of goods across the street from the college to the Town Hall. +I have a perfect remembrance of his sitting, on the last day of the +bazaar, with another gentleman, in the ticket office, to receive the +sixpenny fees for admission. I recollect then to have seen again +the strange, miserly expression which had struck me at my first +introduction; and I noticed, too, the eager "clutch," with which he +grasped the money as it came in, and how he chuckled with delight as +he made up into brown paper parcels each pound's worth of silver as +it accumulated. How, too, his eyes twinkled; how he rubbed his hands +backwards and forwards over his mouth, as he jerked out "Another +pound, Mr. ----; I believe we shall get £50"; and how, when the doors +were closed, he triumphantly handed over to the treasurer more than +sixty packets, of £1 each, as the result of the sixpences paid for +admission on that one day. + +Unfortunately, his mind was _creative_ only. Like many parents, who +never can be brought to understand that there comes a time when their +children are _mentally_ capable of "running alone," he, in his later +years, failed to see that these two institutions, the children of his +brain, no longer required leading strings, or his _unaided_ nursing. +Hence, as the establishments grew beyond his personal power of +supervision, he became jealous of everyone connected with their +management, and sought still to be sole director. As the founder, his +will was to be absolute law; everybody must consult his wishes, and +bow to his decision; and although he had, with advancing years, become +less capable, and had always been wanting in the _sustaining_ +power which successfully _carries on_ great work, he insisted upon +regulating every matter of detail and discipline connected with the +two institutions. + +The result was inevitable. Difficulty after difficulty arose. A +painful disease at this time attacked him, making him more irritable +and exacting. Professors and other officers of the college retired one +after the other. Friends fell off. Subscriptions were dropped. Pupils +were withdrawn, and complete anarchy prevailed. At length Chancery +was appealed to, and Mr. Cox, having been defeated, retired, somewhat +sulkily and disdainfully, from the town--disappointed, dejected, +dispirited, and with a feeling which embittered the remaining years of +his life--a feeling that he had been very greatly misunderstood, and +most ungratefully treated. + +Sands Cox, in private life, was gentleness and simplicity itself. At +a dinner party, while ladies were present, he was very quiet; but the +merry twinkle of his eye when the conversation became animated, showed +that he was keenly alive to all that was going on. After the ladies +had retired, he generally joined in the conversation, and had, almost +always, some quaintly curious story, which, told, as it always was, in +a shy way, as a schoolboy might tell it, was irresistibly droll. + +He had few amusements. He was fond of a quiet rubber; kept a tame +monkey, whose grotesque antics were to him a perpetual source of +gratification; and he was very fond of fishing. With the fly rod he +was very skilful, and he would occasionally steal a few days' holiday +to indulge in trout or salmon fishing. He did not disdain, however, +the far humbler sport that lay within an easy reach of Birmingham, and +I occasionally went with him to a favourite spot for perch fishing. On +one occasion, by an accident, he lost his bagful of baits, and had to +use some of mine. Finding it inconvenient to come to me every time he +wanted to bait his hook afresh, he took half the worms from my bag, +which he crammed--all slimy and crawling as they were--into the pocket +of a nearly new satin waistcoat. At another time, just as he was about +to put on a fresh bait, his line became entangled in a bush, so as to +require both hands to disengage it. Without the slightest hesitation +he put the worm into his mouth to hold it while his hands were engaged +with the line, and he seemed greatly to enjoy the laughter which his +queer proceeding forced from those who were present. + +In the course of his professional career, many honours were bestowed +upon him. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society; was elected a +member of the French Institute; and was honorary member of nearly +every important surgical school in Europe. He was also created +magistrate and Deputy-Lieutenant for the County of Warwick. He had, +though few knew it, considerable influence in quarters where his name +might hardly be expected to be known. He was generally consulted as to +the fitness of local gentlemen proposed for magisterial honours; +and as none of the parties are now alive, I may state that some days +before the Queen's visit to Birmingham, in 1858, it was to Mr. Cox +that application was made for information respecting the then Mayor, +upon whom there was some hesitation as to whether the honour of +knighthood should be conferred. Mr. Cox suggested, in reply, that the +honour, although of course nominally given to the Mayor, would really +be granted as a compliment to the town, which had chosen him as the +chief magistrate. Acting on this suggestion, the Government of the +day, as is well known, decided on the honour being bestowed. + +I have alluded to some indications of a miserly disposition in Mr. +Cox. These were, at the time, a psychological puzzle to my mind; but +I have learned since that a man may have strong acquisitive instincts, +and yet be without selfishness; that he may be even greedy to acquire, +and yet deny himself in almost every possible way, in order to benefit +others; and that the faculties of benevolence and conscientiousness +will, in many cases, direct into unselfish channels the riches +which have been accumulated by the mere animal instinct of selfish +acquisitiveness. + +Such is a faithful and honest attempt to exhibit something of the +character, habits, and manners of one of Birmingham's most worthy +sons; a man who, whatever his faults and failings, did much to elevate +the noble profession to which he belonged, and thereby to alleviate +the sufferings of thousands of his fellow creatures, not only of his +own time, but for generations to come. To him, unquestionably, we owe +the existence of two of our noblest institutions--the Queen's College +and Hospital; and yet, strange to say, the town possesses no memorial +of him. Others, who have done comparatively little for the place, +have their portraits in the Corporation Gallery; yet Sands Cox +is unrepresented. Surely the time has arrived when this should be +remedied; surely, now that the grave has closed over his remains, the +irritation and ill-feeling created by his somewhat imperious will +and dogmatic manner, should be forgiven and forgotten, and only +his self-denying devotion to the good of his native town should +be remembered. Surely it is not too late to see that some fitting +memorial of the man, and his work, should show to posterity that his +contemporaries, and their immediate successors, were not unmindful +of, nor ungrateful for, the great and noble work he was privileged to +accomplish. + + + + +GEORGE EDMONDS. + + +In the early part of the present century, a house, which is still +standing, in Kenion Street, was occupied by a Dissenting Minister, who +had two sons. One of these sons, fifty years afterwards, told the +following story: + + "When I was a boy, I was going one evening up Constitution Hill. On + the left-hand side, at that time, there was a raised footpath, + protected by railings, similar to the one which now exists at + Hockley Hill. I was on the elevated part, and heard some one running + behind me. Upon turning, I found a soldier, out of breath, and so + exhausted that he sank to the ground at my feet. He implored me not + to give information, and asked me for protection, telling me that he + had been sentenced, for some neglect of duty, to receive a large + number of lashes, at certain intervals, of which he had already been + indulged with one instalment. Having been thought incapable of + moving, he had not been very closely watched, and he had just + escaped from the barracks, having run all the way to the spot on + which he had fallen. I took him home, and told my father, who was + greatly alarmed; but he fed him, and sent him to bed. The next + morning I dressed myself in the soldier's clothes, and danced before + my father, as he lay in bed. He was angry and alarmed, particularly + as, on looking out of the window, we saw a non-commissioned officer + of the same regiment standing opposite, apparently watching the + house. Nothing came of that; but the difficulty was, what to do with + the man. At night, however, we dressed him in some of my clothes, + and sent him off to Liverpool. He promised to write, but we never + heard any more of him. His clothes were tied up in two bundles; my + brother James took one, and I the other, and we walked with my + father to Hockley Pool, where we loaded the bundles with bricks, and + threw them into a deep part of the water." + +[Illustration: G. Edmonds] + +The narrator of this story, and the chief actor in the simple drama was +George Edmonds. I mention this little event because it shows that the +spirit of hostility to tyranny, and the scorn of oppression, cruelty, +and persecution, which he manifested in his after life, were inborn, and +a part of his nature. The same noble spirit which induced him, like the +good Samaritan, to bind up the wounds, and to succour and defend the +friendless soldier, gave his tongue the eloquence, and his soul the +fire, to denounce, in the presence of assembled thousands, the +malpractices of those then in power, and the injustice of the laws +under which the people groaned. + +George Edmonds was born in the year 1788, at the house in Kenion Street +of which I have spoken. His father was the Minister of the Baptist +Chapel in Bond Street. He was very popular as a preacher, and he appears +to have been a man of much culture. An engraved portrait of him may be +seen in the window of Mr. Massey's shop at the top of Mount Street. He +was possessed of considerable humour, and was almost as celebrated as +the great Rowland Hill for making droll remarks in the pulpit. It is +told of him that, reading the fourth chapter of _Philippians_, and +coming to the thirteenth verse, he read, "I can do all things;" here he +paused, and said, "What, Paul?--do all things? I'll bet you half-a-crown +of it;" then, suiting the action to the word, he placed the coin on the +leaf of the book; but on reading the concluding portion of the verse, he +said, "Oh, that alters it! I withdraw the bet," and then went on with +his reading. + +Under his father's care, George Edmonds received a really good +education, and became an excellent classical scholar. His knowledge of +Greek was extensive and profound. He was not apprenticed or articled +to any business or profession, and he appears to have devoted his +early manhood entirely to study. His favourite pursuit was the science +of language, and in this branch of learning he became probably one of +the best-informed men of his day. He was in constant correspondence +with the most eminent and learned philologians of his time. I shall +have occasion, further on, to mention this topic again. + +In the year 1823, I find that he was keeping a school in Bond Street, +near the chapel; his pupils, no doubt, being mainly the sons of the +members of the congregation. This life appears to have been, to him, +somewhat of a drudgery; and he longed for more active duties, and a +larger sphere of work. At that time the strict etiquette which now +governs all legal matters did not exist. The young schoolmaster having +volunteered on one occasion to assist a friend to conduct a case in +the old "Court of Bequests," found the self-imposed task very much to +his taste. He took up the profession of an Advocate, and in that court +and the magistrates' room at the Public Office he soon became a busy +man. His clear insight gave him the power of instantly possessing +himself of the merits of a case, while his fluency of speech, +his persuasive manner, and his scholastic acquirements were great +advantages. He soon obtained considerable influence among the +respectable old gentlemen who at that time sat as judges in the one +court and magistrates in the other. His intense love of fun, and his +powerful irony, made these courts, instead of dull and dreary places, +lively and cheerful. Many droll stories are told of him, one of the +best of which relates to his cross-examination of a pompous witness. +Edmonds began by asking, "What are you, Mr. Jones?" "Hi har a +skulemaster," was the reply. In an instant came the crushing retort +from Edmonds, "Ho, you ham, his you?" He continued to practise in the +Court of Bequests until it was abolished, but he was ineligible in +the newly-established County Court, not being an attorney. He then +articled himself to Mr. Edwin Wright, and in the year 1847 was +admitted as a solicitor, which profession he followed actively, up to +the time of the illness which removed him from public life. + +He was a powerful and successful advocate. His fault, however, in this +capacity was that he identified himself too much with his case. He +seemed always determined to win. True justice and fairness were not +considered, so long as he could gain the day. Hence, when another +advocate was opposed to him, the matter assumed, generally, the aspect +of a professional tournament, in which victory was to be gained, +rather than that of a calm and impartial investigation, in which the +truth was to be ascertained and a just award made. + +At the time of the incorporation of the town in 1838, and the +establishment of Quarter Sessions, Mr. Edmonds was appointed Clerk of +the Peace. He was then seriously ill, and was supposed to be dying. It +was understood at the time, that the appointment was made as a solace +to him in his then condition, and as a recognition, which would be +pleasant to him, of the services he had rendered to his native town. +It was not expected that he would survive to undertake the duties of +the office. He, however, lived to perform them for more than thirty +years. He himself had so little expectation of recovery that, from +what he supposed to be his dying bed, he wrote to Mr. William Morgan, +urging him to announce himself as a candidate for the office, so soon, +in all probability, to become vacant. Mr. Morgan refrained from so +doing, and Mr. Edmonds nominated him his deputy. In that capacity Mr. +Morgan acted at the first Sessions held in the town. + +As years rolled on, Mr. Edmonds became at times very absent in +mind, causing occasionally great merriment in court by the ludicrous +mistakes he made. When the Sessions-room was altered a few years ago, +the jury box was placed on the opposite side of the court to that +it had formerly occupied, but Mr. Edmonds's mind never realised +the change. While juries were considering their verdict, it was +Mr. Edmonds's practice to engage in conversation with some of the +barristers; and he sometimes became so lost in these discussions as +to take no heed of his duties. Mr. Hill, the Recorder, enjoyed these +little scenes intensely. On one occasion, when the jury was waiting +to deliver a verdict, the Recorder had to call him from one of these +little chats, to receive it. Edmonds turned to the old spot, and +seeing no one there, said, "There is no jury, sir." Upon which, Mr. +Hill, smiling, said, "If you'll turn round, Mr. Edmonds, you'll see +the jury laughing at you." In some confusion, Edmonds turned round, +and, his mind being somewhat uncollected, he asked, "What say you, Mr. +Foreman, are you guilty or not guilty?" On another occasion he took +up, by mistake, from his desk, an indictment against a man who had +been tried and sentenced, and charging the prisoner, who was a female, +read, "John Smith, you stand indicted," &c. The Recorder, jocularly +rebuking him, said he had never known a woman named John Smith before. +The woman was sent down, and Edmonds insisted in having the real John +Smith up, and he again began the charge. The prisoner laughed in his +face, and told him he had been tried once, and got ten years, but he +wouldn't mind being tried again if the judge would make it five. + +But George Edmonds had a higher claim to grateful recollection than +could be based upon mere forensic skill or professional duty. His +it was to help to apply the first impulse to the movement which +eventually broke down the strong bulwarks of territorial oligarchy. +His it was to wear the political martyr's crown; his to beard a +profligate Court, and a despotic, tyrannical, and corrupt Government; +his to win, or to help to win, far nobler victories than were ever +gained by Marlborough or Wellington: victories of which we reap the +benefits now, in liberty of thought and speech, in an unfettered +Press, in an incorrupt Parliament, in wiser laws, and in unshackled +commerce. His manly voice never counselled aught but obedience; but +it was never silent until it had assisted to ensure for his +fellow-countrymen, that the laws he taught them to obey were just and +impartial, and were equitably administered. + +When Mr. Edmonds was a mere child, the great Revolution in France gave +the English advocates of freedom hopes that the "appointed time" would +soon arrive. The obstinacy of the King, which had already caused the +loss of America, once more made itself manifest, and crushed these +hopes. War was declared against France in 1793, and (with the +exception of a period of thirteen months, from March, 1802, to April, +1803, and a few months in 1814-15) raged until the Battle of Waterloo, +in June, 1815. Daring the whole of this long period the hopes of +English freedom lay dormant. With the return of external peace came +fresh visions of internal reformation. Major Cartwright, Sir Francis +Burdett, and other advanced politicians formed themselves into a +society, which, in memory of one of England's most worthy sons, they +named the Hampden Club. They advocated annual Parliaments, universal +suffrage, and vote by ballot. Provincial reformers adopted their +creed. George Edmonds, then some 27 years old, took up the cause with +great zeal, and advocated it with much eloquence and fervour. Cobbett, +by his writings, and Hunt, by his speeches, aided the movement. +The Tory party was alarmed, and Lord Liverpool's Government was so +exasperated, that a crusade against the popular cause was resolved on. + +Meanwhile, the Hampden Club counselled their Birmingham friends to bring +matters to an issue, by electing a "Legislatorial Attorney," who was to +proceed to the House of Commons, and formally demand to be admitted as +the representative of Birmingham. The advice was taken, and on the 12th +of July, 1819, a great meeting was held on Newhall Hill, for the purpose +indicated. George Edmonds was the chairman and principal speaker, and +was admittedly the local leader. + +The Government was not slow to take action. On the 30th of the same +month, the Prince Regent issued a proclamation, warning all His +Majesty's subjects against treasonable and seditious meetings, and +malpractices generally, and saying, _inter alia_-- + + "And whereas, it hath been represented unto us, that at one of such + meetings the persons there assembled, in gross violation of the law, + did attempt to constitute and appoint, and did, as much as in them + lay, constitute and appoint, a person then nominated, to sit in + their name, and in their behalf, in the Commons House of Parliament; + and there is reason to believe that other meetings are about to be + held for the like unlawful purpose. + + "And whereas, many wicked and seditious writings have been printed, + published, and industriously circulated, &c. + + "And whereas, we have been given to understand ... that in some + parts of the kingdom, men, clandestinely and unlawfully assembled, + have practised military training and exercise. + + "And whereas, &c., we have resolved to repress the wicked, + seditious, and treasonable practices, &c. We do charge and command + all sheriffs, magistrates, &c., to discover and bring to justice, + all persons who _have been_ or may be guilty of uttering seditious + speeches or harangues, and all persons concerned in any riots or + _unlawful assemblies_, which, _on whatever pretext they may be + grounded_, are not only _contrary to law_, but dangerous to the most + important interests of the kingdom," &c. + +At the time this Proclamation appeared, Edmonds was editing and +publishing in Birmingham a weekly political paper, under the title of +_Edmonds's Weekly Recorder_. Number 8 of this paper, dated August 7, +1819, lies before me. The Proclamation is printed at full length on the +front page, and the next column contains the opening sentences of a +letter from Edmonds to the Prince Regent. This letter is of great +length, and is written in a well-supported strain of splendid irony all +through. To copy it at length would occupy too much space. I may, +however, be allowed to quote a short extract or two. Speaking of the +meeting on the 12th July, of which he acknowledges himself to have been +the chairman, he says: "I, and may it please you, sir, being a very +loyal man, was very careful, although it was quite unnecessary, to +admonish the people to obey the laws; and I can assure you, sir, that I +have not heard of a single instance of disloyalty, or violation of the +laws, which occurred during the said meeting. And while we are upon the +subject, permit me, sir, to lament that your Royal Highness did not in +your Royal Proclamation lay down the _law_ which had been violated by +the people of Birmingham." "Finding, however, contrary to our +expectations, that your Royal Highness considers that we have acted +unlawfully, we must humbly petition that the _precise law we have +violated_ may be pointed out, that we may not, through ignorance, be led +to do wrong again. Some persons have supposed the _Proclamation_ to be +_law_, but I have said to them, 'A Proclamation is a _Proclamation_, and +_not the law of Parliament_.' In the same manner as your Highness +profoundly speaks, in your Royal Proclamation, of those 'unlawful +assemblies' which are 'contrary to law.' Truisms, an please your Royal +Highness, are much better than falsehoods." + +The number of the _Weekly Recorder_ for August 14th, 1819, contains a +long address to his "Fellow-townsmen," signed by George Edmonds. It +commences by stating that "the last week has been a very important one +in the annals of Warwickshire, and indeed of England.... Five of us, +Major Cartwright, Mr. Wooler, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Maddocks, and myself, have +had true bills found against us for a conspiracy to elect a Member of +Parliament, and at the next Assizes the indictment will be tried." + +The grand jury brought in the "true bill" on Monday, August 9th. The +trial did not take place at the Assizes then being held, and the +indictment was afterwards removed by _certiorari_ into the Court of +King's Bench. It came on for trial at Warwick, on August 7th, 1820, +before the Lord Chief Baron Richards. When the special jury was called, +only four answered to their names. Mr. Barber was the foreman, and on +taking the book into his hands, one of the defendants asked him whether +he had "ever expressed any opinion as to the merits or demerits of this +case." The Judge interfered, and said that "as a _special_ juryman he +was not bound to answer the question." Eight names were then added from +the common jury list, and the trial proceeded. Denman was counsel for +Edmonds, and Matthew Davenport Hill for Major Cartwright. The others +defended themselves in person. The Judge summed up unfavourably, and +after twenty minutes' deliberation the jury gave a verdict of guilty +against all the defendants. Judgment, however, was deferred. + +On May 28, 1821, the Attorney-General moved the judgment of the court. +The Lord Chief Justice Abbott, afterwards Lord Tenterden, recapitulated +the arguments as to the legality of the jury, and held that no legal +challenge could have been made until a full jury appeared; and as in +this case the challenges had been made before the full jury had +assembled, there were no grounds for a new trial. Several motions in +arrest of judgment were subsequently made, but eventually Mr. Edmonds +was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment in the common gaol of the +county, and he was thereupon removed to Warwick, where, within the walls +of the gaol, he spent every minute of the period for which he had been +sentenced. + +Upon his restoration to liberty, he published the following +characteristic advertisement in the Birmingham newspapers: + + "George Edmonds begs to inform his _friends_, his _enemies_, and the + _public_, that on leaving Warwick Jail he recommenced his profession + of a schoolmaster; that by the zeal of his patrons he has succeeded + beyond his most sanguine expectations; that he has taken for a + period of seven years those extensive premises opposite Bond Street + Chapel, and that the school re-opened on Monday last. + + "The public are respectfully referred by G.E. to his _enemies_ as + the judges of his capacity to _instruct_ and _correct_.... To his + _enemies_--if it be possible that he can have any--G.E. offers the + most entire absolution for their sins against the _best of men_, + on the following most reasonable terms: That they henceforth + zealously trumpet forth his merits; and on his part he agrees to + receive their children at his academy, as hostages for the + performance of these conditions. _Quid rides?_ + + "Bond Street, July 2, 1823." + +Mr. Edmonds's trial, so far from impeding the popular cause, gave it a +forward impetus. It was contended that the jury had been improperly +impanelled; and Mr. Peel, afterwards Sir Robert, was compelled to admit +in the House of Commons that such was the case, as the panel did not +contain the proper number of names. The great Jeremy Bentham took up the +case, and published a pamphlet impugning the legality of the whole +proceedings, and exposing the utter sham of the special jury system. +Peel, much to his honour, brought into the House, and carried, a bill to +amend the whole jury system, and thus Edmonds's trial led to the +abolition of a great public scandal and a national grievance. + +Henceforward, Edmonds was the recognised leader of the Birmingham +Radicals, and the agitation for Parliamentary Reform commenced anew. The +Whigs, though favourable, held aloof, looking upon it as a hopeless +case. In the year 1827, Mr. Charles Tennyson, afterwards known as Mr. +Tennyson D'Eyncourt, proposed to the House of Commons that the two seats +forfeited by the disfranchised borough of East Retford should be +transferred to Birmingham. The proposition was supported by Sir James +Mackintosh and others, but was eventually negatived. The mere +proposition, however, revived the dying embers of Birmingham political +life. All classes, and all sections of politicians, hailed the proposal +with delight. Tories, Whigs, and Radicals united in a requisition to Mr. +George Attwood, who was then High Bailiff, to hold a town's meeting, +which was held accordingly on June 25th, 1827, at Beardsworth's +Repository. At this meeting, resolutions in favour of Mr. Tennyson's +proposition were proposed and seconded by gentlemen belonging to the +three parties, Tories, Whigs, and Radicals. A committee, thirty-two in +number, composed of men of all shades of opinion, was appointed to work +in support of the enfranchisement of the town. Edmonds's name was left +out for strategic reasons: a convicted conspirator, it was thought, +would do the cause no good. He, however, endorsed the scheme heartily, +worked energetically, and spoke frequently and eloquently in its favour. + +The proposition, as I have said, was negatived by the House of +Commons, but it had borne good fruit in Birmingham. Henceforth the +timid Whigs came once more into the sunlight of political life; and +the Tories, being divided in opinion on the measure, split into +two sections, with the result that the _ultra_ party, which had +monopolised all municipal power, was broken up. Prom this time united +action became possible, and more reasonable relations were established +between the active and the passive Liberals. The extreme Radical +section, seeing that the men of moderate views had joined in the +movement for the Reform of Parliament, became less extravagant in +their demands. On the 14th of December, 1829, sixteen gentlemen, +called together by circular, met at the Royal Hotel, and founded the +great Political Union. Rules having been prepared, it was proposed to +hold a Town's Meeting, under the presidency of the High Bailiff--Mr. +William Chance--to ratify them. That gentleman, on the proposal being +made to him, stated that he could not view it as "any part of his +duty to call a meeting of the inhabitants of the town for any such +purpose." The meeting was, notwithstanding, held at Beardsworth's +Repository, on the 25th January, 1830, Mr. G.F. Muntz being chairman. +About 15,000 persons were present, and a number of resolutions, +embodying the principles and objects of the new organisation, were +proposed and carried; some "unanimously," some with "one dissentient," +and some "by a majority of at least one thousand and one;" and the +"General Political Union between the Lower and Middle Classes of the +People," became an accomplished fact. + +From this time, for more than three years, nearly the whole of Mr. +Edmonds's time was devoted to the cause he had so much at heart. Night +after night, and month after month, he fanned the flame of popular +feeling, until it culminated in the unparalleled meetings on Newhall +Hill. At the one held on May 14th, 1832, there were nearly 200,000 +persons present. Mr. Attwood occupied the chair, and the proceedings +commenced by the vast assembly singing a hymn composed for the +occasion by the Rev. Hugh Hutton, the two final verses of which were +as follow: + + "God is our guide! From field, from wave, + The plough, the anvil, and the loom, + We come, our country's rights to save, + And speak a tyrant faction's doom. + And hark! we raise, from sea to sea, + Our sacred watchword, Liberty! + + "God is our guide! No sword we draw, + We kindle not war's fatal fires; + By union, justice, reason, law, + We claim the birthright of our sires! + And thus we raise from sea to sea, + Our sacred watchword, Liberty!" + +At this meeting, what has been described as "one of the most solemn +spectacles ever seen in the world" took place. After it had been +determined to petition the House of Lords "not to drive to despair a +high-minded, generous, and fearless people," Mr. Clutton Salt took +off his hat, and, calling upon the people to follow his example, the +entire assembly stood uncovered as they repeated after him the Union +vow: "In unbroken faith, through every peril and privation, we devote +ourselves and our children to our country's cause." The sound of the +thousands of voices in unison, as they uttered these words, has been +described as resembling the sound of the waves of the sea on a rocky +shore. + +Earl Grey, on the adverse vote of the House of Lords, had resigned on +the 9th of May. The Duke of Wellington and Sir R. Peel endeavoured to +form a Government, but failed utterly; so that on the 18th, Earl +Grey returned to power. "At the personal request of the King, a large +number of the Tory peers consented to absent themselves from the House +of Lords during the further discussion of the Reform Bill." "By the +first week of August the bills had received the Royal assent, and the +political excitement which had kept the country agitated for nearly +two years was suddenly changed into complete listlessness and apathy." + +Meanwhile, the personal sacrifices which Mr. Edmonds had made, and the +sufferings he had endured, were not unheeded by his friends. On April +25th, 1831, a meeting was held, under the presidency of Mr. John +Betts, at which it was resolved to raise a subscription in his behalf, +in recognition of "his superior talents, his tried integrity, and the +persevering industry with which he has, for a long series of years, +devoted himself to the great cause of public liberty, and +more especially to the rights, privileges, and welfare of his +fellow-townsmen." Mr. Thomas Attwood was appointed the treasurer, and +a committee of twenty of the leading Liberals of the town took charge +of the movement, which resulted in a handsome sum being presented to +Mr. Edmonds. + +Mr. Edmonds was not one to become politically listless and apathetic. +He considered the passing of the Reform Bill to be only the +stepping-stone to other beneficial measures. At his instigation it was +resolved that the Political Union should not be dissolved, but should +be "kept firmly united." On May 20th, 1833, another monster meeting +was held on Newhall Hill, at which the Government was censured for +passing the Irish Coercion Bill; for refusing the right to vote +by ballot; for persevering in unjust and cruel Corn Laws; and for +continuing the House and Window Taxes. + +George Edmonds was one of the most active agitators for the grant of a +Charter of Incorporation to the town. He was generally selected to +be either proposer or seconder of the Reform candidates, at the +elections. Few political meetings of any kind, were held at which he +was not only present, but took an active part; and even when old age +had bent his frame and weakened the tones of his once trumpet-like +voice, he would occasionally make the walls of the Town Hall ring, as +he denounced oppression, or called upon his fellow-townsmen to rise +to vindicate a right. His spoken addresses were singularly clear and +forcible in their construction. His language was very simple, and was +nearly pure Saxon, and his enunciation of every syllable of each +word distinct and perfect. He was a born politician, and a bold and +fearless leader. He had a very genial disposition, and a charitable +heart; but was impulsive, and was very strong in his resentments. +He was what Dr. Johnson might call "a good hater." He combined the +fierceness of the lion with the gentleness and docility of the lamb. + +Hitherto, I have spoken of Mr. Edmonds chiefly in reference to his +professional career and his political activity. I now turn to a phase +of his character which is little known, but which is not in any way +less remarkable. As a scholar and a philologian he had rare abilities, +and a rarer industry. Having, somewhat early in life, possessed +himself of a copy of the works of Dr. Wilkins, who was a bishop in +the reign of Charles II., he became impressed with the thought that a +universal language was within the bounds of human possibility, and he +set himself diligently to work out the problem. During the whole of +his busy political life; all through his active professional career; +amid the strife and the worry, the turmoil, and the rancour, of the +controversy in which he was so prominent; it was his habit to rise +from his bed at three or four o'clock in the morning to endeavour to +master this intricate task. In the failures of others who had essayed +this gigantic work, he saw only incentives to fresh exertions. Nothing +daunted him. Failing to find in ordinary type, as used by printers, +the necessary symbols to embody his thoughts, he, at enormous expense, +had an entirely new fount, from his own designs, made expressly for +the book which was to be the crowning monument of his life. Finding +no printing-office willing to undertake a work of so unaccustomed a +nature, he fitted up a room in his house in Whittall Street, and here, +by his own hands, the whole of the type was set. Mr. Massey, of Friday +Bridge, informs me that he _printed_ the book, and he has obligingly +placed at my disposal a few specimens of the peculiar types used. The +result was, a thick quarto volume, every page of which bristles with +evidences of acute erudition, and the most accurate reasoning and +discernment. It bears the title of "A Universal Alphabet, Grammar, +and Language," and it has for a motto a text from the book of +_Zephaniah_--"For then will I turn to the people a _pure language_, +that they may call upon the name of the Lord." + +He seems to have aimed at the production of an "Alphabet of +Characters," which should indicate the various sounds of the voice, +and he succeeded. "I thought," he says, in the preface to his book, +"and still think it, theoretically, a near approach to perfection. +Into this character I translated the whole of St. Matthew's Gospel, +and various extracts from the _Psalms_ and other books." "With great +reluctance, and not without much pain," he came to the conclusion +that this system was impracticable, and he "therefore gave up the idea +altogether of that character, and looked about for some other." It +then occurred to him that the Roman alphabet "might be supplemented by +certain marks, so as to represent all the elementary sounds;" and this +resulted in his compiling an alphabet containing forty symbols, of +which five--_ai_, _au_, _oi_, _ou_, and _oo_ are compounds; the +remaining thirty-five are the ordinary letters, some of which have +marks under them, like the dash we make under a word in writing to +indicate greater force or emphasis, thus--U D Z o d z. + +Having arrived at this point, he intimates his belief that his +next discovery was the result of direct inspiration. "I am far from +superstitious, yet I must confess, with regard to this discovery, I +have long felt as though I had been no more than a mere instrument, +accomplishing the will of Another; and that the direction of my +thoughts, and my ultimate convictions, were only a part of the +development of my own mind, enforced and controlled by some internal +law, which ensured its own effects without any original exercise of +my own reason. One thing is certain: I cannot tell how it was brought +into my own i mind, and I have no recollection of the process which +ultimately revealed to me a knowledge of the power and essential +importance of the discovery." + +The discovery of which he speaks is that the "success of the +Philosophic [language] turned upon the proper use of two short vowels +and three nasal consonants. These are the short _u_, as in faithful, +and the _i_ in pin, and the consonants, _m_, _n_, and _n _ [_i.e._, +_ng_]. One of these three consonants is to be found in the centre of +every root of the [philosophic] language. They resemble the reed in +the hautboy--they give B metallic ring in the words where they occur. +They may be compared to the sound of the trumpet in a concert; the +other consonants are the sound of the drum--rub-a-dub-dub." + +It is of course impossible, in a short notice like this, to give a +thousandth part of the methods and arguments by which Mr. Edmonds +works out his theory; but I shall attempt to make his process clear by +one or two short examples. + +He starts by assuming that, as all words are reducible to nouns as +a first principle, so the whole of the nouns can be classified into +forty "genera." These genera are each divisible into "differences," +and the differences are sub-divisible into "species." He gives a +list of the "genera," each of which is composed of two vowels and +two consonants; and then, in a series of very elaborate tables, he +proceeds to show how words of every possible signification can +be built up from the materials thus provided and classified. For +instance, amongst the genera, _onji_ is the root-word for insects, +_anji_ for fish, _enji_ for birds, and _inji_ for beasts. Taking +_anji_--or fish--for my example, because it is the shortest, I +may mention that he divides fish into nine "differences," two of +viviparous, five of oviparous, one of crustacea, and one of scaly +river fish. I will give one example of each class, merely pointing +out that the letters _anj_ occur in the middle of each name. The +final letters give the _species_, and the initials the _specific fish_ +indicated, thus: _Panjoo_ is whale, _Banjoi_ is skate, _Danjo_ is +herring, _Kanja_ is gurnet, _Danji_ is sea-perch, _Danjai_ is eel, +_Banjino_ is plaice, _Vanjoinoi_ is star-fish, and _Fanjino_ is +salmon. + +The same process of building up words from simple roots is carried on +all through the whole range of thought and action; and the result as +a whole is that, as a theoretical system, the entire subject is +successfully worked out. + +Whether it will ever be carried out in practice is extremely doubtful. +Some Spanish enthusiasts were so enraptured with Mr. Edmonds's book +that they sought and obtained an interview with the late Emperor +Napoleon, with a view to secure his patronage of the new scheme. The +expression of his opinion was short, but shrewd. He said the only +way to establish universal language was to first establish universal +empire; and that, he thought, would not be possible just yet. + +In July, 1867, Mr. Edmonds, when 79 years of age, married, at the Old +Church, Leamington, as his second wife, Miss Mary Fairfax, of Barford, +near Warwick, the descendant of a truly noble family. She was 75 years +of age at the time. Their natures and dispositions, however, being so +very dissimilar, this proved to be an unhappy union, and after living +together three weeks only, they separated by mutual consent. His mind +at this time--and, indeed, for some previous time--must have been +giving way. Eventually, he was placed in the asylum at Winson Green. +From thence he was removed to a private asylum at Northampton, where +he died in the year 1868, being 80 years of age. + +His funeral at the General Cemetery was attended by most of the +leading Liberals of the town, and by great crowds of admirers. Charles +Vince, who was so soon to follow him, delivered a very eloquent +address over the open grave, in which he said, "For the firmness with +which he maintained his convictions, and for the zeal and ability with +which he advocated them, he will always have a name and a place in the +history of his native town, if not in the history of his country. To +the honour of his memory it will be said that he held his opinions +honestly; laboured for them diligently; devoted great gifts and rare +energy to their promotion; and amply proved his sincerity, and won the +crown of the conscientious, by the things that he suffered." + +It is, in my opinion, not very creditable to the Liberal party in +the town that George Edmonds has no public memorial. The generation +passing away may remember his face and figure; but before it goes, it +has a duty to its successors to perform. That duty is to leave some +lasting memorial, in the shape of a statue, bust, or portrait, of the +man, who, sacrificing his own freedom, helped thereby to gain for his +countrymen liberty of thought, liberty of speech, and liberty to carry +on in the future the beneficent policy which he advocated with, so +much eloquence and perseverance. + + + + +THE EARLY DAYS OF CHARLES VINCE. + + +With reverent pen and loving spirit, I sit down to write of one whose +sunny smile brightened every circle upon which it shone; whose massive +intellect and clear mental vision discovered subtle truths and +deep symbolic meanings in common things; whose winning and graphic +eloquence made these truths and meanings clear to others, showing +them that not a blade of grass springs by the roadside, nor an insect +flutters for a day in the gladdening light of the spring-time, but +has its lesson, if men will but search for it, of tender mercy and +fatherly care. His broad and catholic spirit was wide enough to +embrace within his friendship men of widely divergent thought and +belief. His life was one long and eloquent lesson to us all. If ever +man deserved the blessing following the words, "Inasmuch as ye did it +unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me," that +man was Charles Vince, for of him, more emphatically than can be said +of most of us, it may be recorded that "he went about doing good." + +It is not necessary to sketch the mature character of one so recently +taken from amongst us. The shadow of his homely figure has scarcely +faded from our streets, and the sound of his eloquent voice still +seems to vibrate in our ears. It seems but yesterday that, on that +cold and cheerless day, his lifeless but honoured remains were borne +to the grave through the crowds of sympathising people who thronged +the busy streets to see the last of him they knew so well and loved so +heartily. Little could be added to the warm tributes that were paid +so recently to the memory of the gifted, truthful, fearless, earnest, +hard-working Christian teacher, who, in the prime of his life and the +zenith of his powers, was removed from the sphere which he adorned by +the purity of his character, and benefited by the power and graces of +his intellect. + +But these tributes referred mainly to what he was, and what he did, +in the later part of his career, and in the maturity of his powers. +In some of them the references to his parentage, his birth, and +his boyhood, were singularly inaccurate. In one periodical of +large circulation and great influence, statements full of error and +misrepresentation went forth to the world unchallenged. It is my +purpose, therefore, in this paper, to correct the mistakes of those +who wrote, being imperfectly informed; and to give, as I had it from +the lips of his friends, his schoolfellows, and his relatives, a +simple, but at all events a strictly accurate, record of the few and +unromantic events of the early days of one who became so fruitful in +goodness and in charity. + +With the view that this little sketch should at least be free from +serious error, I made, the other day, a special pilgrimage to Vince's +birthplace--the pleasant town of Farnham in Surrey. I stood before the +lowly cottage in which he first drew breath; I sat in the little +room where his father and his mother taught him practical lessons +of truthfulness and sympathy; I looked into the little plain deal +cupboard his father made for him, in which he stored the books he +loved so well and studied so intently. I talked with his schoolfellows +and the companions of his boyish days, and listened to those who were +the chosen friends of his youth-hood, and I noted the brightening of +the eye, and the more fervid tones of the voice, as one after another +told me of the budding intellect, and of the germination of the warm +and tender spirit, of him they were all so proud of. + +After a long continuance of cold and cheerless weather, the morning of +Saturday, the 26th of May, 1877, was bright and genial. An unclouded +sun, and a warm south-western wind, awoke the birds to melody, and +gave the flowers new fragrance. As the train bore me through pleasant +Surrey, the fields not only smiled--they absolutely seemed to laugh +with joy at the advent of the first day of summer, and when we stopped +at the pretty station of plutocratic Surbiton, the air was laden with +the perfume of lilacs and of hawthorn blossom. From a dense thicket, +nearly overhead, came cheerfully the melodious notes of "the careful +thrush," who, as Browning says-- + + "Sings his song thrice over, + Lest I should think he never could recapture + That first, fine, careless rapture." + +As the train passes on, I see, beyond the silvery Thames, the stately +front of Hampton Court Palace. A little further on we pass Esher, +where, on a tree-girt hill, the lofty pediment of Claremont peeps +through the trees, and reminds me that here, sixty years ago, the +hopes of England were quenched by the death of the youthful Princess +Charlotte. Strange, that this house should have been the death-place +of the unthroned heiress of England, and, forty years afterwards, of +the dethroned crafty old French king, Louis Philippe. + +When we stop at Woking Common, I feel at home. Here, half-a-century +ago, when there was not even a hut on the spot which is now a busy +town, I used to play as a boy. Yonder is the Basingstoke canal, where, +with willow wand and line of string from village shop, I used to +beguile the credulous gudgeon and the greedy perch. Just up that lane +to the right, on the road to Knap Hill--famed the world over for its +hundreds of acres of rhododendrons--is the nurseryman's shed to which, +in the summer, cart-loads of the small, wild, black cherries came +from Normandy, for seed. Here the boys of the neighbourhood had the +privilege of gorging themselves gratis with the luscious fruit, on the +simple condition that they placed the cherry-stones in bowls provided +for the purpose. As the train moves on, we dash through a deep cutting +of yellow-coloured sand, and emerge upon a wild and dreary region. +On the hills to the right are a gaol, a reformatory, and a lunatic +asylum; and on the left is the "Necropolis," where London, in the +black and sandy soil, deposits the myriads of its dead. All around, +the ground is olive-coloured with unblossomed heath, bright and golden +here and there with the flowerets of the prickly gorse. Dense and +dismal plantations of black-looking Scotch firs are enlivened at +intervals by the delicate and tender green spikelets of a sprouting +larch. On we rush for miles through this sombre region, through dank +morasses, and past dark and gloomy pools, from one of which a heron +rises majestically. On, until, in a broad and airy region, the red +coats of soldiers are seen dotted here and there amongst the heather. +In the distance are the serried lines of the tents of Aldershot. Just +beyond this point the train suddenly enters the chalk formation, +and comes simultaneously into a cultivated district. A mile or two +further, and the train stops at Farnham; birthplace of Toplady, +who wrote the beautiful hymn, "Rock of Ages;" of William Cobbett, +sturdiest of English yeomen; and of Charles Vince, who, coming to +Birmingham an utter stranger, so endeared himself to its people, that +he was universally beloved; and when he died, was followed to his +grave by thousands of the principal inhabitants, amid the tearful +regrets of the entire population. + +As I leave the station, and approach the town, I see on my left, +nestling under a cliff, an old timbered house, bearing on its front +the inscription, "Cobbett's birthplace." It is an inn, and I enter in +search of refreshment. A somewhat surly man appears, and tells me that +he "ain't got no cold meat." I persevere, and am told that I _can_ +have some bread and cheese, which are accordingly served. I ask the +landlord--for such the man is--if there are any relics of Cobbett +remaining in the house? The reply is, "not as I knows on." I am told, +however, that he is buried in the churchyard hard by, and that his +grave is "right agen the front door," and this is all the man knew, or +cared to tell, about the matter. + +The most striking peculiarity of Farnham, as seen from the cliff +behind the "Jolly Farmer," is the abundance of hop gardens. As far +as the eye can reach, in all directions, little else appears to +be cultivated. At the time I visited it, the appearance was very +singular. From the tops of distant hills; creeping down into the +valleys; even to the back doors of the houses in the principal street, +the whole surface of the earth seemed clothed with stiff bristles. +About two thousand acres of land in this parish alone are planted with +hop bines, and as each acre takes three thousand hop-poles to support +the climbing crop, it follows that there were five or six millions of +these poles standing bare and upright before the astonished eye. No +wonder that a conical hill at a little distance looked like a gigantic +hedgehog. + +At the extreme westerly end of the main street of the town there is a +small house on the left, standing some twenty feet back from the line +of the other buildings. The space between the house and the street is +now covered by a conservatory. A greenhouse adjoins the house on the +west side, and a large piece of ground fronting the street for some +distance is occupied as a nursery, and, when I saw it, was gay with +flowers and verdure. In the year 1823 this house, together with a +large plot of adjoining land (now built upon), was the property of +Charles Vince's father, and in this little house Charles Vince was +born. The father was by trade a builder and carpenter, and was very +skilful. If he had any intricate work on hand, it was his habit to +go to bed, even in the day-time, in order that he might, undisturbed, +work out in his mind the proper means of accomplishing the end in +view. He held a sort of duplex position. He was foreman to, and +"the life and soul of the business" of, Messrs. Mason and Jackson, +builders; but he had a private connection of his own, which he worked +independently. He was greatly liked, and the late Sir George Barlow, a +landed proprietor of the neighbourhood, made him a kind of factotum on +his estate. He seems to have been a very original character; to have +had superior abilities as an artificer; and to have had most of the +qualities which go to form what is called a "successful" man. He was, +however, a bad financier; he did not understand "business;" and so he +went on through life, contented to remain where he was; his abilities +securing to him competence and comfort; enabling him to give +his children a good education; and to maintain his position as a +respectable and worthy member of society. He had something of the old +Puritan about him, and was "brimful of fun and humour." He was +very original in speech and thought, and he was very earnest in his +religious life and practice. A good story was told me of his quaint +manner. At the chapel of which he was a member, one of the ministers +having died, a successor was appointed, who in some way caused a +division amongst his people, some of whom seceded. Mr. Vince, senior, +remained. Some weeks afterwards it was decided by those who still held +to the old chapel that it would be better for the minister to leave, +but this decision was not made public. A few days after, one of the +seceders, meeting Vince, said, "I understand you're going to buy your +minister a new pulpit gown." "No," was the reply, "you've missed it; +we're going to buy him a _new travelling cloak_." + +Mrs. Vince, senior, was a member of a very good family in Sussex, +and was a woman of superior mental powers. She is described as a very +industrious, careful, motherly woman; one to whom all the neighbours +applied for advice and assistance in any trouble or emergency, and +never in vain, for her heart was full of sympathy and her brain of +fertility of resource. She was a pious, humble, God-fearing woman, who +did her duty; trained her children carefully; set them the example +of a truthful, practical, and loving Christian life; and had the +satisfaction of seeing the results of her excellent example and +precepts carried into full life and activity in the career of her only +son. + +Such were the parents of Charles Vince, and such the influences which +surrounded his childhood. He was a bright, intelligent boy; he +never had any trouble with his lessons, and was remarkably quick in +arithmetic. His father was very proud of him, and he was sent to the +best school in the place. It was kept by a nephew of the celebrated +William Cobbett. "Tommy" Cobbett, as he was always called, seems to +have been a favourable specimen of a country schoolmaster in those +days. On his leaving the town, about 1837 or 1838, a Mr. Harrington +took his place, and Charles Vince remained as a pupil for a time, but +Harrington went to old Mr. Vince to say that he felt he was dishonest +in taking his money, for "Charles ought to take my place and teach +me." + +Upon leaving school, Charles was duly bound apprentice to Messrs. +Mason and Jackson, where he was taught by his father. Without +indentures of apprenticeship in those days, an artificer had no status +in his trade; yet it would seem, in this case, that the "binding" was +regarded by each party as little more than a necessary formality, for +the youth did not spend the whole of his time in the service of his +nominal employers. He was always with his father, and Sir George +Barlow took a great fancy to him. He worked on at his trade, however, +for some years, and only left the workman's bench to assume the +vocation of a teacher. + +His parents were members of the Congregational Chapel in the place, +and their son was a constant attendant at the Sunday school, first +as a scholar and afterwards as a teacher. When he was about 17 or 18 +years of age, one of his relatives, and the then master of the British +School in the place, conceived the idea of establishing a Mechanics' +Institute. Vince joined the movement with ardour, and the little +institution was soon an accomplished fact. A grammar class, to which +Vince attached himself, was very popular among the young men of the +town, and they soon after established a debating club. Here the latent +talents in Vince developed themselves. He became a fluent speaker, +and was soon asked to deliver a lecture. Being half a poet himself, he +chose Poetry as his topic, and seems to have given himself up to the +preparation of his subject with a determination to succeed. One of his +old I companions (whose towering head, by the way, would be a splendid +artist's "study" for an apostle) told me that at this time they read +together "Paradise Lost," a great part of which he said he could +still repeat from memory. Vince used to declaim aloud the "bits" that +pleased him, and "he was never tired" of the passage in the tenth +book, where the poet, describing the change which followed the Fall, +says-- + + "Some say He bid His angels turn askance + The poles of Earth some ten degrees or more + From the sun's axle; they with labour pushed + Oblique the centric globe,... + ...to bring in change + Of seasons to each clime; else had the spring + Perpetual smiled on Earth with verdant flowers, + Equal in days and nights." + +The condition of his mind at this time was so eloquently described to +me by this friend, that I shall quote his words as I took them down +from his own lips: "To ordinary appearance his mind was like a common +flower; with beauty, perhaps, that would not catch the unobservant +eye; but intimate as I was, I could discover in his homely talk, +beauties that those who only knew him slightly could not observe, +because he kept his petals closed. He did not open to many, but I saw, +or thought I saw, the germs of what he afterwards became." + +The lecture was a great success, and the conductors of the Sunday +school had no difficulty afterwards in persuading him to give short +addresses to the children. He appears about this time to have +decided to become a preacher, and his character became deepened and +intensified by the determination. This is so well described in a +letter from Farnham that I shall again quote: "When he first fully +made up his mind to give his attention to preaching and teaching, he +and I were deputed to visit a village about an hour's walk from +this town to canvass the houses, and see if a Sunday school could be +established. I remember it was about this time of the year, and with +what delight my friend seemed to drink in all the beauties of Nature +on that quiet Sunday morning. _He seemed, to look on these things with +new eyes_; and he often, in years long after, referred in sermons and +in speeches to that Sunday morning's walk." + +The Sunday school was established, and here, "in one of Surrey's +prettiest villages," Vince preached his first sermon in a cottage. + +At this time, too, he became a politician, taking his lessons and +forming his political creed from a most unlikely source, apparently. +This was the _Weekly Dispatch_, a paper that in those days was +scarcely thought to be proper reading for young people. He read it, +however, with avidity, and there is no doubt that it had much to do +with forming his political character, and in laying the foundation +of the sturdy inflexibility with which he held to his political +principles. One of his early friends says, "He liked the _Weekly +Dispatch_. The politics, being racy, had a great attraction for him, +and he used to drink them in ravenously." + +From this time he was the "pet speaker" of the place. His lectures +at the Mechanics' Institute were delivered frequently, and became +immensely popular. The lecture-room was far too small for the eager +listeners who crowded to hear him. "A large market room" was taken, +and here, when he lectured, there was no space for many who wished to +hear him. He preached on Sundays in the villages around, and at length +was asked to occupy a pulpit in Farnham itself. "I remember," says one +of his friends, "his first sermon in the old Congregational Chapel. +The place was crammed to excess, by people too who were not in the +habit of attending such places." + +All this time, this "carpenter, and son of a carpenter," worked +diligently at his trade; but a sudden vacancy occurring in the +management of the Farnham British Schools, he was asked to become the +master. He did so. He left the carpenter's bench on a Saturday, and +became schoolmaster on the following Monday. This, however, was but +a temporary arrangement, for he was at the time negotiating with +the managers of Stepney College to become a pupil there; and, an +opportunity shortly afterwards occurring, which he had very promptly +to accept or refuse, he somewhat abruptly vacated his seat as a +schoolmaster, and became once more a scholar. + +This was in 1848. He remained in the college four years, and he +soon learned to laugh heartily at his Farnham Latin and his Farnham +lectures. He was in the habit, while at the college, of going on +Sundays to hear the best preachers in the Metropolis, and he has told +me that he often walked from Stepney to Camberwell to hear Melvill, +who was then the most popular preacher in London. + +At the end of his academic career he was invited to become the +minister at Mount Zion Chapel, in Birmingham. How he laboured here +every one in the town can testify, and I need not say one word; but +there is one fact that should be more generally known, as it shows one +result of his work. In the year before he came to Birmingham (1851), +the sum collected in this chapel for the Baptist Missions was £28 +4s. 11d. The report for 1874--the last under his care--gives the +amount collected in the year as £332 5s. 5d. + +I am obliged to omit much that is interesting, but I have at least +shown that his childhood's home was comfortable and respectable, and +that he did not spend his boyhood among companions unworthy of him. +In his native town his memory is as warmly cherished as it is in +Birmingham. His last public act there was to preach the first sermon +in a new and remarkably handsome Congregational Church, and it is said +that on that occasion, the number of people who sought to hear him was +so great, that the Church, although a spacious one, would not contain +the half of them. "There was no room to receive them; no, not so much +as about the door." + +A handsome gothic cross has recently been erected over Vince's grave. +It bears the following inscription: + + TO THE MEMORY OF + + CHARLES VINCE, + + BORN, JULY 6, 1824; DIED, OCTOBER 22, 1874: + WHO FOR TWENTY-TWO TEARS WAS THE MINISTER OF GRAHAM STREET + CHAPEL, IN THIS TOWN. + + As a Preacher + of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, his teaching was + especially characterised by perfect faith in the infinite love + and mercy of God, and by deep and tender sympathy with the hopes, + the sorrows, and the struggles of men. + As a Citizen, + his generous zeal for the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed, + made him the strenuous advocate of all efforts for + social and political reform. + The sweetness of his nature, the purity of his + life, and the manliness and simplicity of his character, compelled + the respect and attracted the friendship of those who differed from + him. His courage, integrity, courtesy, and charity, + won the affection, and his eloquence commanded the admiration, + of all classes of his fellow-townsmen, + by whom this memorial is erected as a tribute to his + personal worth and public services. + + + + +JOHN SMITH, SOLICITOR + + +Everybody in Birmingham knew "Jack Smith, the lawyer." It was +something worth remembering to see him drive up New Street in the +morning on his way to his office. Everything about his equipage was +in keeping. The really beautiful pair of ponies; the elaborate +silver-trimmed brown harness; the delicate ivory-handled whip; the +elegant little carriage; the smart boy-groom behind; and the radiant +owner in front. Most carefully, too, was the owner "got up." His white +hat; his well-fitting coat, with its gay flowers in the button-hole; +his scrupulously clean linen; the bright buff waistcoat; the blue +necktie, and the diamond pin, all seemed to harmonise with his broad, +merry, brown face as he passed along, with a sort of triumphant air, +glancing from side to side, and greeting with a roguish, happy-looking +smile such of the foot passengers as he happened to know. Everybody +turned to look at him; and most people looked as if they felt it to be +a compliment to be recognised by him in the street. + +[Illustration] + +John Smith was the son of Mr. Dyer Berry Smith, a printer, engraver, +and wholesale stationer in a very extensive way of business in +Prospect Row. Forty or fifty years ago his firm was known all over the +country, for they printed the bill-heads for nearly every grocer in +the kingdom, the imprint, "Smith and Greaves, sc.," being prominent +on every one. John was born in Prospect Row, in the year 1819. He +was intended by his father for the medical profession, and spent some +years in preliminary studies. He was exceedingly fond of chemistry, in +which he became very proficient, and the study of which continued to +be a favourite pursuit all his life. He had also considerable skill as +an anatomist, and it is known that, within a few years of his death, +having caught a mole in his garden, he dissected it most skilfully, +with a view to discover the peculiarities of the eyes and optic nerves +of that singular animal. His knowledge of chemical and medical +science was, in after life, of great service to him. No doubt it was a +considerable _factor_ in the marvellous defence he made of Palmer, +the Rugeley poisoner, which, though unsuccessful, was universally +considered amongst lawyers to have been a masterpiece of professional +skill. + +Having abandoned the idea of becoming a medical practitioner, as not +affording scope for his energetic spirit, he was articled to the +late Mr. Alexander Harrison, the solicitor. Immediately after +the expiration of his articles, Smith made his appearance in the +Bankruptcy Court as an Advocate. In this capacity he showed very great +tact, and an intimate knowledge of every minute point of practice. His +pleasant voice and manner soon made him a favourite; and he applied +himself to this branch of his profession with such success, that it +may be said that down to his death there was scarcely a bankruptcy +case of any importance in the Birmingham Court in which he was not +professionally engaged on one side or the other. + +He possessed consummate ability, an imperturbable temper, and +great confidence in himself. His marvellous coolness under the most +embarrassing circumstances, his quickness of apprehension, his ready +wit, and his boundless fertility of resource, have won him many +a legal victory. It is but justice, however, to add that his easy +notions as to truthfulness occasionally carried him over difficulties +which would have been insurmountable by a man of more acute moral +sense. + +His memory was very tenacious. I had once a very remarkable instance +of this. I was dining at the "Acorn" one Monday, and Smith was there. +He came to me after the cloth was cleared, and said, "Didn't I see you +at Vince's Chapel last night?" On my replying in the affirmative, he +began to eulogise the sermon, which he said he had repeated the night +before, word for word, to some friends at his house, after he got +home. Knowing his failing, I smiled incredulously, but he began +immediately to recite the sermon _verbatim_, and I verily believe that +he could have gone through the whole without a mistake of a single +word. + +It is well known that he was often short of money. On one occasion he +wrote to George Edmonds, asking for a loan of seven pounds, adding, +"on Wednesday I will faithfully promise to repay you." Edmonds sent +the money, and on Wednesday called at Smith's office, expecting to be +repaid. After the usual civilities, Edmonds asked for the cash. Smith +affected to be ignorant, but on Edmonds saying, "Well, I've got your +note promising to repay me to-day," said, "Let's look at it, old +fellow; there must be some mistake." The note was produced, and after +reading it, Smith said, "I thought you must be wrong, and I find it +is so; this note says that 'on Wednesday I will'--what? Pay? No. +'Faithfully promise.' Well, I do now faithfully promise to repay you, +but Heaven knows when you'll get the money." + +Some years ago one of the Banks brought an action against some one +who owed them money, and Smith was retained for the defence. He first +attempted to compromise the action, but he found that his client had +in some way so annoyed the directors and the manager, that they would +not entertain any proposition; the case therefore stood for trial +at Warwick Assizes. Smith hit upon a very novel expedient. He caused +subpoenas to be served upon every clerk in the bank and upon the +manager. The latter had what is technically called a _subpoena duces +tecum_, in virtue of which he was under an obligation to produce at +Warwick the whole of the books of the establishment. This caused great +dismay, it being seen that if the trial were to go on, the business of +the bank must be entirely suspended. The result was that Smith's terms +were accepted, and the action was settled. + +During the "railway mania" of 1845 a company was formed in Birmingham +for making a railway from Wolverhampton to Birkenhead, and Smith was +its solicitor. The company, like many others, "came to grief." The +directors were great losers, and much litigation followed. In those +days there were no "winding up" arrangements, and the creditors of +defunct companies had to sue individual directors to recover the +amount of their claims. One action in connection with this company +came on for trial at Warwick, in 1847 or 1848, before the late Mr. +Justice Patteson. Mr. M. (the present Justice M.) was counsel for +the defence, and Smith was a witness for the plaintiff. The Judge was +deaf, and Smith's loud voice and clear replies evidently pleased him. +He complimented Smith, who was soon in one of his best humours, +his broad, merry face beaming with smiling good-nature. His +examination-in-chief being over, Mr. M. got up, prospectus in hand, +and majestically waving a pair of gold eye-glasses, said, "Well, Mr. +Smith, I see by this prospectus that the solicitor of this company +is John Smith, _Esquire_, Upper Temple Street, Birmingham; are _you_ +'John Smith, _Esquire_?'" + +Smith (with great energy): "I AM!" + +Mr. M. (evidently disconcerted): "Oh! very good, Mr. Smith; very good! +H'm! I see by your prospectus that you had a large number of persons +connected with you in this matter. You had, I see, Parliamentary +agents, solicitors, London solicitors, local solicitors, consulting +engineers, acting engineers, surveyors, auditors, secretary, and a +variety of other officers. Had you standing counsel, Mr. Smith?" + +Smith (folding his arms, and with the greatest possible coolness): +"No, we hadn't, Mr. M.; but I remember the subject being discussed +at one of our board meetings, and I mentioned your name as that of +a rising young man at the Bar, and there was some idea of retaining +you." + +The effect was electrical. Everybody in court was convulsed with +laughter. The judge put down his pen, threw himself back in his chair, +and laughed until he shook like a piece of _blancmange_. As soon as +he could recover himself, he asked, in tones tremulous with suppressed +mirth, "Are you satisfied, Mr. M.?" Mr. M. was completely nonplussed; +could make no defence; tried to "rub it off" by delivering himself of +a homily upon the degradation it was to the Bar of England that +some of its members should be capable of lending themselves to the +promotion of "Bubble Companies;" but it would not do. He lost his +temper; he lost his case; and it was many years before he heard the +last of it. + +Some friends of mine had been directors of this company, and I had a +good deal to do with winding it up. Smith's bill was a curiosity. +Two items in it are probably unsurpassed in the whole records of the +taxing masters' offices. They were as follows: + + £ s. d. + "Attending, making inquiries, at the houses of eight + hundred applicants for shares, and twelve hundred + referees, including calls made at the residences of + various tradesmen, tax collectors, and others in + their respective neighbourhoods--say, two thousand + attendances, at six and eightpence each 666 13 4 + + "Twelve hundred letters to referees, at five + shillings each 300 0 0 + +It is needless to say that the greater part of these charges was +disallowed. + +I met him one morning on the platform of the old Duddeston Row +Station. We were both going to London. He proposed that we should ride +together, but as I had taken a second-class ticket and he a first, I +pointed out the difficulty. "Oh, never mind," said he; "come in here, +they never charge extra for any friends of mine;" so I was persuaded +to go in his carriage. We were alone, and he kept me laughing the +whole of the way. On arriving at Camden Town, where the tickets were +then collected, I took from my purse the amount of the excess fare, so +as to be in readiness for the collector. As soon as he appeared at the +window, Smith set up an unearthly scream; put on a most extraordinary +expression of face; and feigned madness. This behaviour so frightened +the poor collector, that, keeping his eye fixed upon Smith, he +mechanically held out his hand; took my ticket without looking at it; +and hurried from the carriage, evidently congratulating himself upon a +lucky escape. + +Smith occasionally got into trouble with the "powers that be;" and in +one case, where he was obstinate, an "attachment" was issued, under +which he was confined for a few days in Coventry Gaol. He became, in +a day or two, the life and soul of the place. I was shown a letter +written by him from prison to the opposing solicitor, asking him to go +over to arrange terms of settlement. "You can come at any time," wrote +Smith; "you'll be sure to find me at home." + +He certainly was no common man, and but for one or two unfortunate +deficiencies in his character, he might have risen to great heights +in his profession. He had abilities of no common order, and he had +a "taking" way that was very fascinating. Even those who knew his +failings, and could hardly accord him their _respect_, could not help +_liking_ the man. His somewhat untimely and sudden death caused much +regret. On the morning of September 23rd, 1867, in accordance with +his usual practice, he went for a ride on horseback, returning to his +house in Sir Harry's Road about half-past ten. Feeling somewhat faint, +he retired to his room; a fit of apoplexy supervened. Mr. Samuel +Berry, and Mr. Oliver Pemberton, were hastily summoned. On their +arrival, Smith was found to be insensible, and by twelve o'clock at +noon he had ceased to breathe. He was in his 49th year. + +FINIS. + + + + + * * * * * + +CADBURY'S + +COCOA ESSENCE, + +_PURE, SOLUBLE, REFRESHING._ + +"Cocoa treated thus, will, we expect, prove to be one of the most +nutritious, digestible, and restorative of drinks."--_British Medical +Journal._ + +"The Essence of Cocoa is just what it is declared to be by Messrs. +Cadbury Brothers."--_The Lancet._ + +"We strongly recommend Cadbury's Cocoa Essence as a diet for +Children."--_Mirror._ + +"Those who wish for pure Cocoa in a convenient form should obtain the +Cocoa Essence.--_Nature._ + +"The Cocoa Essence is an agreeable and economical preparation; a little +of it goes a great way."--_The Medical Times and Gazette._ + +One tea-spoonful makes a breakfast cup of stronger and better Cocoa than +two tea-spoonfuls of any "prepared" Cocoa that thickens in the cup. + +MAKERS TO THE QUEEN. + + * * * * * + +CHRISTIAN'S PÂTE DE LICHEN, + +OR ICELAND MOSS PASTE, + +An invaluable Lozenge for Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Sore Throats, +Bronchitis, &c. + +Boxes. 1s., 2s.6d., and 4s.6d. each. + + * * * * * + +CHRISTIAN'S DANDELION CHOCOLATE, + +Recommended to persons predisposed to Liver Affections, Weak +Digestion, Flatulence, &c., as an article of diet. + +Packets, 6d., 1s., 2s., and 5s. each. + + * * * * * + +Christian's Oriental and Odoriferous Perfumes, + +These Perfumes, prepared for the use of The Prince & Princess of +Wales, on their visit to Birmingham, contain, in a concentrated +form, the aroma of the most delicate flowers, and are unrivalled +for their freshness and durability. + + * * * * * + +PURE SODA & OTHER WATERS, + +Prepared with Artesian Well Water, on the +most approved modern methods, and guaranteed +equal to any made. + +_Extract from Analyst's Report._--"_The water used is, of many +hundreds analysed by me from the neighbourhood of Birmingham, +undoubtedly THE BEST IN ALL RESPECTS._" + +THE SELTZER WATER + +Stimulates the stomach and is a grateful antacid and +alterative. + +LITHIA AND POTASS WATER + +Are much recommended in Gouty and Rheumatic affections. + +LEMONADE AND GINGER BEER + +Of fine flavour and particularly refreshing. + +GINGER ALE, + +A fine tonic, possessing the full flavour of Jamaica Ginger. + +Prices in Syphons, 3s. to 4s. + +Bottles, 1s.3d. to 2s.6d. per dozen. + +[Illustration] + + * * * * * + +Prepared only by ARBLASTER (late Christian), + +CHEMIST & SODA WATER MANUFACTURER, + +_New Street, and 7, Hagley Road, BIRMINGHAM._ + + * * * * * + +ALBERT C. 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EXTENSIVE DINING ROOMS._ + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM EDWARDS, +CHRONOMETER, +WATCH AND CLOCK MANUFACTURER, + +IMPORTER OF +FRENCH CLOCKS, SWISS WATCHES, &c., + +_GOLDSMITH, JEWELLER, SILVERSMITH, AND DIAMOND MERCHANT_, + +~44, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM.~ + +The best selected and most extensive Stock of high-class Jewellery +in the Midland Counties. + +~PRESENTATION CLOCKS,~ +PRESENTATION WATCHES, + +Including many thoroughly rated and adjusted, with Patent +Resillient Bankings, suitable for every clime. + +WEDDING AND CHRISTENING PRESENTS IN GREAT VARIETY. + +WILLIAM EDWARDS, +44, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +EVANS & MATTHEWS, + +MANUFACTURING AND FURNISHING + +IRONMONGERS AND CUTLERS, + +MAKERS OF ALL KINDS OF + +ELECTRO-PLATED GOODS, +LAMP AND OIL MERCHANTS, &c.; + +THE ORIGINAL IRONMONGERY HOUSE, + +ESTABLISHED 1784, + +80, BULL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +THE "ALPHA" PATENT PORTABLE +GAS MAKING +APPARATUS. + +[Illustration] + +FIVE MEDALS AWARDED. + +_BRILLIANT, CONVENIENT, ECONOMICAL._ + +For Large and Small Users of Gas. + +IN BUILDINGS OF EVERY CLASS. +IN ALL COUNTRIES. + +_SEVERAL THOUSANDS IN USE._ + +By means of this Apparatus any person can have, in any building, Gas of +great brilliance and absolute purity, without trouble or danger. No coal +or lime, no retorts, purifiers, or gas-holders are employed. In the +manufacture there is no dirt, no smell, no unsightly and expensive +buildings. It requires no skilled labour in fixing or use, and there are +no extras. + +Prices--12 Lights, £16 16s.; 26 Lights, £30; 40 Lights, £42 10s.: 60 +Lights, £55; 100 Lights, £90; 150 Lights, £146; 200 Lights, £185; 300 +Lights, £265; 400 Lights,£350; 500 Lights, £430. + +For further particulars, apply to the Proprietor of the Patent, + +H.L. MULLER, +22, MARY ANN STREET, BIRMINGHAM; +147, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, E.C.; + +ALSO AT +71, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM, + +_Where the Machines can be seen in operation daily._ + + * * * * * + +TRADE MARK. + +[Illustration] + +BUTTONS +AND +FANCY SMALLWARES. + +GREEN, CADBURY, & RICHARDS, + +CHEAT HAMPTON STREET WORKS, BIRMINGHAM, + +MANUFACTURERS OF ALL KINDS OF +LINEN, METAL, AND PEARL BUTTONS. + +PEARL BUTTON FACTORY, 250, ICKNIELD STREET EAST. + + * * * * * + +The Midland Educational Company, +(LIMITED,) + +WHOLESALE BOOKSELLERS, +School and Commercial Stationers, +BOOKBINDERS, + +Manufacturers of every kind of School and Office Furniture. + +ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR FITTING AND FURNISHING SCHOOLS. + +The STOCK OF BOOKS, comprising all the Standard and +Newest Books, Bound Books, &c., is the largest +and most varied in the Midland Counties. + +Libraries, Public Institutions, Literary Associations, &c., supplied +with Books, Periodicals, and other Publications on the most +liberal terms. + +[Illustration: Company Seal] + +STATIONERY OF ALL KINDS. + +MAPS, GLOBES, AND DIAGRAMS. + +ARTISTS' MATERIALS. + +SCHOOL BOOKS AND APPARATUS. + +BIBLES, PRAYER BOOKS, + +AND + +CHURCH SERVICES. + +ORDERS TO ANY AMOUNT EXECUTED ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE. + +THE LARGEST SHOW ROOM IN ENGLAND FOR BOOKS, +SCHOOL APPARATUS, &c. + +Catalogues, Terms, and any other information on application to the +MANAGER, + +91 & 92, NEW STREET, & 40, HIGH STREET, +BIRMINGHAM + + * * * * * + +RUDLAND & SMITH, + +CARPETS AT WHOLESALE PRICES. + +EXTENSIVE CABINET SHOW ROOMS. + +BEDSTEAD AND BEDDING SHOW ROOMS. + +[Illustration] + +_Patent Duplicate-Marking Whist Table, price £10._ + +GENERAL HOUSE FURNISHERS, + +UNION PASSAGE AND LITTLE CHERRY STREET, + +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +FINE OLD IRISH WHISKY. + +(_A SPECIALTY._) + +The above Spirit, of the best Dublin makes, and 7 years +old, may be obtained at + +21s. per Gallon, + +FROM + +JOHN BRYCE & COMPANY, + +Wine and Spirit Merchants, + +44 & 45, BULL STREET. +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +HATS. +HOSIERY. +SHIRTS. +GLOVES. +UMBRELLAS. +SCARFS. +BRACES. +COLLARS. +PORTMANTEAUS. +RAILWAY RUGS. +TRAVELLING BAGS. +DRESSING GOWNS. + +[Illustration: THOMAS PRICE, +Hatter, Hosier, Glober +SHIRT MAKER, &c., +47. UNION PASSAGE, +NEAR NEW STREET, +BIRMINGHAM + +YOUR PATRONAGE & RECOMMENDATION +ARE RESPECTFULLY SOLICITED.] + +SHIRTS ... SIX FOR 30s., 42s., 45s., and 48s. +PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. + + * * * * * + +Influenza or Cold in the Head, Hay-Fever, + +Sore Throats, &c., + +CURED IN A VERY LITTLE TIME, BY USING +REEVE'S INHALINE. + +No medicine required. Sold by Chemists in every Town. + +PREPARED ONLY AT + +REEVE'S DISPENSING ESTABLISHMENT, +NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +Wholesale Depôt for REEVE'S DIGESTIVE CANDY + + * * * * * + +ESTABLISHED 1844. + +Great Britain Mutual Life Assurance Society, + +HEAD OFFICE--101, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON; +MIDLAND BRANCH-- +26, TEMPLE STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT: + +ALDERMAN BIGGS, J.P., BIRMINGHAM. +CAPTAIN WALTER BLAKE BURKE, WOLVERHAMPTON. +RICHARD SMITH CASON, ESQ., BRIERLEY HILL. +H. HAWKES, ESQ., J.P., BIRMINGHAM. +REV. CHARLES LEE, M.A., VICAR OF BILSTON. +F.E. LEWIS, ESQ., WOLVERHAMPTON. + +WILLIAM DERRY, Manager. + + * * * * * + +Great Britain Fire Insurance Co., + +HEAD OFFICE--101, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON; +MIDLAND BRANCH-- +26, TEMPLE STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT: + +ALDERMAN BIGGS, J.P., BIRMINGHAM. +CAPTAIN WALTER BLAKE BURKE, WOLVERHAMPTON. +RICHARD SMITH CASON, ESQ., BRIERLEY HILL. +H. HAWKES, ESQ., J.P., BIRMINGHAM. +REV. CHARLES LEE, M.A., VICAR OF BILSTON. +F.E. LEWIS, ESQ., WOLVERHAMPTON. + +WILLIAM DERRY, Manager. + + * * * * * + +THE ORIGINAL +Mantle, Shawl, and Fur Warehouse. + +ESTABLISHED 1836. + +MRS. J. PAGE, +81, BULL STREET, +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +~DAWES & HAWLEY~, +Family Grocers +AND +PROVISION MERCHANTS. + +145 & 146, BROAD STREET, +AND +109, HOCKLEY HILL, +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +E. PETERS, +WHOLESALE +Wine and Spirit Merchant, +_DEALER IN BURTON ALES_, +AND +DUBLIN AND LONDON STOUT, +77, BULL STREET, +~BIRMINGHAM~. + +IMPORTER OF HAVANNAH CIGARS. + + * * * * * + +[Illustration] + +CHARLES CORFIELD, +Homeopathic Chemist, +(_Established_ 1846,) +26, BENNETTS HILL, BIRMINGHAM, +(_Chemist to the Birmingham Homoeopathic Hospital and Dispensary_,) +Prepares all the Medicines used under Homoeopathic Treatment. +Homoeopathic Medicines in Tinctures, Globules, Pilules, and +Triturations, supplied in the greatest Purity. + +CORFIELD'S HOMOEOPATHIC COCOA, +_1s.6d. and 1s.4d. per lb._ + +CORFIELD'S BROMATINE, +_A preparation containing the essential property of Cocoa, +1s. and 2s. boxes._ + +MEDICINE CASES RE-FILLED. + + * * * * * + +THE BIRMINGHAM INDIA-RUBBER COMPANY +MANUFACTURERS +OF +WATERPROOF +LADIES' +CIRCULAR AND HOOD CAPES, +JACKETS, SKIRTS, &c. + +COATS & CAPES, +In special MATERIALS +and SHAPES, for +_RIDING, DRIVING, +SHOOTING, YACHTING, FISHING, +WALKING, &c._ + +CARRIAGE APRONS, +Coachmen's Coats, +CAPES WITH SLEEVES, +Hats, Hat Covers, &c. + +[Illustration] + +OF +_Surgical Elastic_ +STOCKINGS, KNEE CAP, +BELTS, +BANDAGE WEBS, &c. + +INVALIDS' BEDS +For Hot or Cold Water; +Airproof Beds, +CUSHIONS AND PILLOWS + +WATERPROOF +BED SHEETING +_BASSINETTE AND CRIBS +SHEETS, &c._ +Enemas, Urinals, and +Pessaries, +IN GREAT VARIETY; +And every description off +_SURGICAL, HOSPITAL, +AND +DOMESTIC REQUISITES_ +in the Trade. + +COMPETENT FEMALE ASSISTANTS IN ATTENDANCE +124, New Street, Birmingham. + + * * * * * + +JOSEPH HARRIS, +DYER, +FRENCH CLEANER, &c., +ORIEL HOUSE, 41, BULL STREET; +121, GREAT CHARLES STREET; +AND +4 & 5, LUDGATE HILL, +BIRMINGHAM. + +BRANCH DEPÔT: +10, DARLINGTON STREET, WOLVERHAMPTON. + + * * * * * + +THE +SHAWL & MANTLE ESTABLISHMENT, +69, BULL STREET. + +CRUMP & PALMER + +Have always a very large stock to select from of all the Newest Designs +and leading Styles in FRENCH and GERMAN SHAWLS, MANTLES, and JACKETS; +also, a large stock of REAL WATERPROOF MANTLES, &c., to which they +invite an inspection. + +THE FUR MANUFACTORY. + +CRUMP AND PALMER are noted for having the largest stock of REAL SEALSKIN +JACKETS, and Furs of every description, in MUFFS, BOAS, COLLARS, CUFFS, +and FUR TRIMMINGS, and all warranted free from Moth, and the cheapest in +the trade. + +CRUMP & PALMER, + +69, BULL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +FOR THE SEASIDE + + +FIELD-GLASSES & TELESCOPES, + +THE BEST THAT MONEY CAN PURCHASE. + +JAMES GARGORY, +41, Bull Street, BIRMINGHAM. + +GOLD SPECTACLES. + +The largest and best assortment of handsome Gold SPECTACLES and +EYE-GLASSES, set with best Pebbles, at 41, BULL STREET. + +JAMES GARGORY, Optician. + + +WHITBY JET. +JAMES GARGORY wishes to call the attention of the Public to his +extensive assortment of cheap Jet Ornaments, direct from Whitby. + +41, BULL STREET. + +_BRIGHT AND COLOURED GOLD JEWELLERY._ +WEDDING RINGS AND KEEPERS. SILVER FILAGREE ORNAMENTS. +WELL-SELECTED PATTERNS. + +James Gargory, 41, Bull Street. + + * * * * * + + +FRED^K. W. EDMAN, + +Wholesale Wine & Spirit Merchant, +27, COLMORE ROW, +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +M. PARKER, + +Grocery and Wax Candle Warehouse, +63, BULL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +NEW SEASON'S TEAS: +Selected with care from the finest imported. + +A Tea recommended for strength with fine flavour, + +Per 2/6 and 3/- lb + +COFFEES: + +Plantation, East India, and Mocha. + +A mixture of fine Plantation and East India, + +Per 1/6 lb. + +_FARINACEOUS GOODS, SAUCES, PICKLES, PRESERVES, &c._ + + + * * * * * + +HASSALL & SINGLETON, + +IRONFOUNDERS, FREEMAN STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +[Illustration] + +Register Stoves. +Tile Grates. +Tile Hearths. + +English +and +Foreign +Marble +Chimney +Pieces. + +Enamelled +Slate +Chimney +Pieces. + +Sole Makers of the "Birmingham" Range; also, the "Lichfield" and +"Staffordshire" Ranges, &c. + + * * * * * + +BY ROYAL LETTERS PATENT. + +THE FERRANTI-TURNER PROCESS, + +_HONOURED BY HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL COMMANDS_. + +LICENSEES FOR BIRMINGHAM: + +FRANK SCOTT, HOLLAND, & CO., +54, NEW STREET; & 53, QUEEN STREET, WOLVERHAMPTON. + +FRANK SCOTT, HOLLAND, & CO., +Miniature Painters and Photographers Royal, + +(_From the Royal Polytechnic, Regent Street, London_,) + +Respectfully announces that they have completed their NEW ROYAL SOLAR +STUDIO, at 54, NEW STREET. + +Mr. F. SCOTT has had the honour of Photographing the undermentioned +Eminent Personages, which he trusts will be a sufficient guarantee for +the excellence of his Productions--H.M. The Queen, H.R.H. The Late +Prince Consort, H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, H.R.H. The Crown Princess +of Prussia, H.R.H. The Crown Prince of Prussia, H.R.H. Prince Leopold, +H.S.H. Princess Sophia of Prussia, H.S.H. Prince Henry of Prussia, +H.S.H. Prince George of Prussia and all the Prussian Family, H.I.M. +Maria Amelia, H.I.H. The Comte de Paris, H.I.H. The Comte de Chartres, +H.I.H. Prince Nickamschado of Japan, His Grace The Duke of Marlborough, +Her Grace The Duchess of Marlborough, and the principal Nobility and +Clergy of Europe. + +The NEW BERLIN CARTES, as executed of the Family of His Royal Highness +the CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA, and for which Mr. F. Scott received His +Highness's highest approval, 6s. per dozen. + +The New Patent Permanent SILICATED CARTES, 10s. per dozen. + +Their New Patent FERRANTI-TURNER AUTOTYPE PHOTOGRAPHS, from £3 3s., +in frame, complete. + +SHOW ROOMS OPEN FROM NINE TO SEVEN DAILY. + + * * * * * + +JAMES TUCKER, +BURLINGTON ARCADE, NEW STREET, + +SOLE AGENT FOR BIRMINGHAM AND DISTRICT FOR +FELTOE & SONS, LONDON. + +_"THE SPÉCIALITÉ" SHERRY, 30/- DOZEN_, + +Adopted and recommended by 3,000 Physicians and Surgeons. + + * * * * * + +TURKISH BATHS, + +14, CRESCENT, CAMBRIDGE STREET, +BIRMINGHAM, + +OPEN DAILY (SUNDAYS EXCEPTED) + +FROM 8 A.M. TILL 8 P.M. + +For Gentlemen, 3/6, 2/6, and 2/- each; and for Ladies (Public), on +Tuesdays and Fridays, 2/6; other days (Private), 3/6 each. + +FIRST-CLASS SHAMPOOERS ENGAGED +VAPOUR, SULPHUR, AND MEDICATED BATHS. + +LIST OF TERMS. + +Mercurial Vapour Bath. . 4/- each. | Douche Bath. . . . . 1/- each. +Sulphur Bath . . . . . . 4/- " | Sanatorium Bath. . . 1/- " +Private Vapour Bath. . . 1/6 " | Sitz Bath. . . . . . 1/- " +Public Vapour Bath . . . 1/- " | Shower Bath. . . . . 1/- " + +N.B.--The only Establishment in the Midland Counties where you can have +such a variety of Baths for the purposes of luxury and health. + +JAMES MELLING, Proprietor. +M. MELLING, Superintendent of Ladies. + + * * * * * + +PHOTOGRAPHY. + +J. SUNDERLAND, + +ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER, + +67, BULL STREET, AND THE ARCADE. + +CARTES, 5/- PER DOZEN + + * * * * * + +ISLINGTON HOUSE. + +D. CHAPMAN, +(LATE SPENCER,) + +109 & 110, BROAD STREET, BIRMINGHAM, + +The oldest Linen, Woollen, Hosiery, and General +Drapery Establishment in Broad Street. + +Families and Hotel Proprietors will meet with a well-assorted +and carefully-bought + +STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, +at moderate prices. + +_The celebrated "Dacca Twist" Calicoes, in Gray and White, always +in stock._ + +FAMILY MOURNING, &c. + + * * * * * + +SAMUEL PEACOCK, + +[Illustration] + +CONTRACTOR FOR REMOVING FURNITURE, &c., + +To all parts of the World, on an Improved System, + +BY ROAD OR RAIL, WITHOUT PACKING. + +GOSTA GREEN, BIRMINGHAM. + +_Open and Closed Vans for Road or Rail. China, Glass, and Wines +carefully removed._ + +PIANOS MOVED WITH SPECIAL CARE. + + * * * * * + +Chemical, Mineral, & Aerated Waters Manufacturer, + +[Illustration] + +(SUPPLIED IN SIPHONS & BOTTLES) + +ALSO + +LICENSEE for LAMONT'S PATENT +GLASS STOPPER. + +WELL LANE, DIGBETH, +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +ROBERT LLOYD CROSBIE & CO., + +THE GLOBE FOUNDRY, +CHARLOTTE STREET, BIRMINGHAM, + +MANUFACTURERS OF +BRASS & IRON BEDSTEADS, &c., + +_Of every description, for Home and Exportation_. + +Children's Bedsteads, Cots, Swing Cots, Chair Bedsteads, Sofas, +Couches, Chairs, &c.; Camp, Folding, and Portable Bedsteads of all +kinds; Washstands, Towel Bails, Hat Rails, &c. + +_LONDON SHOW ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES_: +43 & 44, TABERNACLE WALK. + + * * * * * + +C.S. JONES, +Fruit and Italian Warehouse, + +43, GREAT WESTERN ARCADE, +AND +44 MONMOUTH STREET, + +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +THE OLDEST BOOK SHOP IN BIRMINGHAM. + +HUDSON & SON, 18, BULL STREET. + +_Established in 1821 by the late Benjamin Hudson._ + +DISCOUNT ON BOOKS: + +THREEPENCE in the Shilling, for _Cash_. + +TWOPENCE in the Shilling, when Entered, and Paid for +within a Month. + +BINDING, ENGRAVING, LITHOGRAPHY, and RELIEF-STAMPING. + +STEAM PRINTING OFFICE + + * * * * * + +THE + +_GRESHAM LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY._ + +HEAD OFFICE: +37, OLD JEWRY, LONDON. + +BRANCH OFFICE: +WATERLOO CHAMBERS, 26, WATERLOO +STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +THE CASH SYSTEM. + +"Heartily do I wish that shop debts were pronounced after a certain date +irrecoverable at law. The effect would be that no one would be able to +ask credit at a shop except where he was well known, and for trifling +sums. All prices would sink to the scale of cash prices. The +dishonourable system of fashionable debtors--who always pay too late, if +at all, and cast their deficiencies on other customers in the form of +increased charges--would be at once annihilated. Shop-keepers would be +rid of a great deal of care, which ruins the happiness of +thousands."--_Professor Newman's Lectures on Political Economy._ + +HIGH-CLASS TAILORING ESTABLISHMENT, + +ADAM JAMES BROWN, +26, COLMORE ROW, + +OPPOSITE TEMPLE BOW WEST AND ST. PHILIP'S CHURCHYARD, + +For Gentlemen who require no Credit, and who, whilst wishing to wear +high-class Clothing, object to be taxed with other people's credit, bad +debts, &c. + + * * * * * + +GEO. WILKINSON & CO., + +Brewers and Wine Merchants, + +BREWERY--ASHTED ROW; + +OFFICE--29, LOWER TEMPLE STREET, + +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +MR. J.O.C. PHILLIPS, + +SURGEON DENTIST, + +COLMORE HOUSE, + +COLMORE ROW, + +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +MONTAGU BROWNE, + +NATURALIST, + +PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE BUILDINGS, + +BIRMINGHAM. + +DEERS' AND FOXES' HEADS, FOR HALLS. + +HANDSOME FEATHER SCREENS, FOR PRESENTS. + +_BRITISH BIRDS, SKINS, AND EGGS._ + +BIRDS, ANIMALS, AND FISHES MOUNTED IN A THOROUGHLY +ARTISTIC MANNER. + + * * * * * + +LISSETER & MILLER, + +Cooks, Fruiterers and Confectioners, + +20, BENNETTS HILL, + +(_Three Doors from New Street_) + +BIRMINGHAM. + +_Routs, Balls, Suppers, and Wedding Breakfasts supplied._ + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: Vienna, 1873.] + +D. LEONARDT & CO., + +Patentees and Manufacturers of +Carbonized and other Steel Pens, + +GOLD PENS, MARCOGRAPHIC PENS, + +_PEN-HOLDERS, PENCIL-CASES, &c._ + +UNIVERSAL PEN WORKS, 69, GEORGE STREET, +PARADE, +BIRMINGHAM + +MANUFACTURERS OF THE "NEPTUNE" PEN, TO WRITE WITHOUT INK. + + * * * * * + +JOHN HANKS & SONS, + +Coal Merchants, + +CHARLOTTE STREET WHARF, + +(_NEAR THE PARADE_,) + +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +TO PRIVATE FAMILIES. + +TIMOTHY J. DAVIES & SON, + +71, BRISTOL ROAD, EDGBASTON, + +Wholesale Ale and Porter Merchants. + +ESTABLISHED 1883. + + * * * * * + +HART & CO., + +HORTICULTURAL BUILDERS, HOT-WATER ENGINEERS, and +GENERAL CONTRACTORS, + +GREAT HAMPTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +[Illustration] + +THE "DESIDERATUM" PORTABLE GREENHOUSE + +TENANT'S FIXTURE. GLAZED WITHOUT PUTTY, +BY A NEW PATENT METHOD. + +_Plans and Estimates furnished for every description of Horticultural +Buildings (both in wood and iron), Verandahs, Skylights, Wrought-iron +Windows, Casements, &c._; + +ALSO, FOR + +Hot-water Apparatus for Horticultural Buildings, Private Houses, +Churches, Schools, Warehouses, Drying Rooms, &c. + +BOILERS, PIPES AND HOT-WATER FITTINGS KEPT IN STOCK. + + * * * * * + +J.S. MERRYWEATHER, +HOSIER, GLOVER, & SHIRT MAKER, + +57 & 58, BULL STREET. +(NEAR THE TOP.) + +[Illustration] + +If you want the luxury of a TRUE-FITTING Shirt, try Merryweather's +"Universal." + +6 for 26/-. 6 for 32/-. 6 for 38/-. 6 for 44/-. 6 for 50/-. + + * * * * * + +[Illustration] + +H. AINGWORTH, + +FURNISHING AND BUILDERS' IRONMONGER +AND GENERAL IRONFOUNDER, + +CHARCOAL AND COAL DUST MILLS, + +54, BULL STREET, AND 14, LIVERY STREET, +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +CENTRAL PAPER HANGING ESTABLISHMENT, + +QUEEN'S COLLEGE BUILDINGS, 39, PARADISE STREET, +opposite the Town Hall, BIRMINGHAM. + +R. MANN & CO., +DECORATORS, PAINTERS, PLUMBERS, PAPER HANGERS, &c. + +_A large stock of the newest and best patterns in British and foreign +Paper Hangings, Borders, Centres, Gilt Mouldings, &c., always on hand._ + +R. MANN, having had 35 years' experience in carrying out Interior +Decoration (for 8 years in Partnership with the late J.R. LEE,) is +enabled to undertake the Decoration of Mansions, Churches, and Public +Buildings, and will be happy to give references to Gentlemen for whom +work has been executed and Architects whose designs have been carried +out. + +SIGN PAINTING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. + +WATER CLOSETS, LEAD PUMPS, BATHS, WATERWORKS SERVICES, AND ALL KINDS OF +PLUMBING WORK PUNCTUALLY ATTENDED TO. + +EXPERIENCED WORKMEN SENT TO ANY PART OF THE COUNTRY. + +ESTIMATES GIVEN. + + * * * * * + +DAVIS BROTHERS, + +Silk Mercers and General Drapers, + +196 and 197, BRISTOL STREET, +BIRMINGHAM. + +YOUR PATRONAGE AND RECOMMENDATION ARE RESPECTFULLY +SOLICITED. + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM WRAY, + +(LATE HURT & WRAY,) + +Chronometer, Watch, and Clock Manufacturer, + +JEWELLER, SILVERSMITH, &c., + +38, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +JOSEPH J. ALLEN, + +DECORATOR +(BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT) +OF +BALL ROOMS, SOIRÉES, BAZAARS, &c. + +ADDRESS: + +HOWARD STREET ART INSTITUTE, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +REEVE'S AROMATIC + +This Candy is composed of Ginger, Rhubarb, and other Medicines known to +be useful in relieving Flatulency, Heartburn, and the various forms of +Indigestion. It has a very pleasant taste, and if taken for several +weeks permanently strengthens the stomach. Sold in 6d. and 1s. Packets, +and 2s. 6d. Boxes, by + +T.L. REEVE, + +Chemist, 19, New Street, Birmingham; and by all the principal Chemists +in the Midland Counties. + +DIGESTIVE CANDY. + + * * * * * + +W.T. SIBLEY, + +TAILOR, HATTER, AND OUTFITTER, + +84 & 85, BROAD STREET, + +Has always on hand a large Stock of the NEWEST AND MOST FASHIONABLE +GOODS, which combine style and quality with very moderate prices. + + * * * * * + +[Illustration] + +HARRIS'S +IMPROVED RECUMBENT COUCH. + +This Couch is applicable to a variety of +uses; it is employed in the drawing-room, +boudoir, bed-room, nursery, garden, hospital, +infirmary, at the sea-side, on shipboard, +in the camp, and by emigrants and travellers +at home and abroad.--84/- + +_Invalid Furniture and Reading Easels +of every description._ + +CATALOGUES FREE BY POST. + +HARRIS'S SILVER MEDAL NATIONAL CONTEST LAWN MOWERS, + +For 1878, with all the latest improvements, 6 in., 21/-; 8 in., 34/-; 10 +in., 48,/-; 12 in., 80/-; 14 in., £5; made up to 40 in. + +Prize Medal Hose Reels, 15/- to 90/-; Improved Garden Rollers, 16 in., +30/-, 18 in., 40/-, 20 in., 50/-, 22 in., 60/-, 24 in., 80/-, 26 in., +90/-, 30 in., 100/-; Garden Chairs, 7/6; Garden Seats, 6 It., 22/-; +Knife Cleaners, 21/-; Carpet Sweepers, 10/6; Sausage Machines from 10/6 +to £24; Mangling and Wringing Machines, 30/-, 40/-, 50/-, 60/-; Chaff +Cutters, 45/-to £24; Bean and Oat Crushers, 70/- to £10. All kinds of +Machines repaired. + +G.H. HARRIS, Bristol Street, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +ESTABLISHED [Illustration] A.D. 1818. + +_The Extensive Ranges of Metallic Hot-Houses in_ + +THE ROYAL GARDENS, FROGMORE AND OSBORNE, + +_Were executed at this Establishment_. + +METALLIC HOT-HOUSE BUILDER TO HER MAJESTY. + +HENRY HOPE, +(Late CLARK & HOPE) + +Horticultural Builder, Hot-Water Apparatus Engineer. + +WROUGHT-IRON AND GUN-METAL WINDOWS. + +55, LIONEL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + +_Book of Designs post free for 60 stamps._ + + * * * * * + +PURE CONFECTIONERY, + +IN EVERY VARIETY, MANUFACTURED BY + +GAMMON, MARRIAN, & CO., + +And sold at their Retail Establishments, + +126, NEW STREET; 70, BULL STREET; +AND +115, CONSTITUTION HILL. + +ONE SHILLING PER POUND. + +Guaranteed Pure and Wholesome, as certified by the Borough Analyst. + + * * * * * + +HARDY & MARSH, + +WATCH MAKERS AND JEWELLERS, + +51, NEW STREET, nearly opposite the Theatre Royal, BIRMINGHAM. + +_GOLD WATCHES +from £2 5 0._ + +_ENGAGEMENT +RINGS._ + +_WEDDING +RINGS._ + +_KEEPER +RINGS._ + +_GOLD GUARD +CHAINS +from £2 0 0._ + +[Illustration] + +_SILVER WATCHES +from £1 5 0._ + +_DIAMOND +RINGS._ + +_SIGNET +RINGS._ + +_MOURNING +RINGS._ + +_GOLD ALBERT +CHAINS +from £1 0 0._ + +_WATCHES £ CLOCKS +CLEANED & REPAIRED._ + +_JEWELLERY of EVERY +DESCRIPTION REPAIRED._ + +BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. + +ALL GOODS MARKED IN PLAIN FIGURES AT NETT CASH PRICES. + + * * * * * + +ROBERT KNIGHT, + +WHOLESALE AND RETAIL + +IRONMONGER, CUTLER, & JAPANNER, + +206, BROAD STREET, +BIRMINGHAM. + +BRITANNIA METAL AND ELECTRO-PLATED +GOODS. + +AGENT FOR RODGERS' CELEBRATED CUTLERY, + +OPPOSITE THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. + + * * * * * + +FINEST OLD COGNAC BRANDY, + +26s. per Gallon. + +This fine Brandy has been kept in bond in this country till it +is fully matured, and we respectfully ask comparison with Case +Brandy at 60s. to 72s. per dozen. + +We advise the public to place no confidence whatever in the +mere putting up of the article in bottle in France, but to buy value +and not names. + +INNES, SMITH, & CO., + +LIVERPOOL. 28, High Street, BIRMINGHAM. +MANCHESTER. + + +FINEST OLD MARSALA. + +We beg to call attention to our large and well-matured stock of +this excellent and moderate-priced Wine. The price at which we offer +it is so reasonable, and the quality so fine, that we consider it the +_best_ and most _economical_ wine for _dinner_ and _household use_. + +Price, 18s. per Dozen; 8s.6d. per Gallon. + +INNES, SMITH, &. CO., 28, High Street, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +ORAM, + +CABINET MAKER, UPHOLSTERER, + +CARPET FACTOR, + +BED AND BEDDING MANUFACTURER, + +AND + +GENERAL FURNISHER. + +SECOND-HAND GOODS BOUGHT TO ANY AMOUNT. +N.B.--WHOLESALE DEALER IN WINES AND SPIRITS + +187, 188, & 189, BROAD STREET, +BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + + +HUNT'S + +ECONOMICAL MOURNING AND FUNERAL WAREHOUSE, + +COSTUMES. MANTLES. + +WE HAVE +ALWAYS A LARGE +AND VARIED STOCK OF + +DEEP MOURNING COSTUMES, +MANTLES, & MILLINERY, + +MADE EXPRESSLY FOR UNEXPECTED MOURNING, READY FOR +IMMEDIATE WEAR, AT MODERATE PRICES. + +DRESSES MADE TO ORDER ON THE SHORTEST +NOTICE. + +EVERY ARTICLE REQUIRED FOR FAMILY +MOURNING. + +ESTIMATES GIVEN ON +APPLICATION + +DRESSES. MILLINERY. + +94, BULL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. + + * * * * * + +ESTABLISHED 1798. + +SAMUEL PHILLIPS, + +HATTER, +AND +MANUFACTURING FURRIER, + +49, NEW STREET, Corner of UPPER TEMPLE STREET, + +BIRMINGHAM. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Personal Recollections of Birmingham +and Birmingham Men, by E. Edwards + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIRMINGHAM *** + +***** This file should be named 18821-8.txt or 18821-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/8/2/18821/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Patricia Bennett and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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