The proceedings of this morning at the Hustings having through
your united generous efforts resulted in my being elected as
your Representative in the ensuing Parliament, I hasten to
tender you my most heartfelt acknowledgments for the honour
you have conferred upon me in placing me in the proud position
which it is now my privilege to occupy.
I abstain from referring to the contest, which during my
canvass appeared to be before me, and I cheerfully congratulate
you on the peaceful and successful termination of the struggle
in which we have been engaged.
To you, Gentlemen, the victory is due; a more enlightened,
faithful, and zealous body of supporters never rallied round
a Candidate, even to vindicate the great right of Municipal
Independence.
Gentlemen, my political principles are now well known to
you, they have been unreservedly communicated, and have your
unqualified approbation. Believe me, it shall be my study
vigorously to aid in giving effect to them in the House of
Commons, and also to further all measures of local improvement
or general principle which have the approval of my Constituents.
I trust, Gentlemen, I shall ere long have an opportunity
of renewing my personal acquaintance with you, and by
interchanging those sentiments and feelings which have animated
and sustained us in the contest now happily at an end.
Till then I bid you farewell; and once more offering you my
grateful acknowledgements,
I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient Servant,
HENRY BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
_Bush Hotel, Dudley, March 27, 1857._
This contest, so abruptly brought to a close by the resignation of Mr.
Sandars at the eleventh hour, proclaimed the Political Independence
of the Borough of Dudley _for all time_. The pointed pen of squibs
and banter was more liberally used at this election than on former
occasions, but it must be recollected that the 25 years past had
brought new literary blood into the town; that our old sedate fashion
of conducting an election had died out, and we had now entered upon a
new path of fame and progression, which our grandfathers never dreamt
about. However, "the horse-play" at the time was taken in good part,
"a Roland was now and then given for an Oliver," and there was not a
few of our liege subjects who were more pleased than offended at being
placed in the mirror of these stirring days. Mr. Sheridan received
a truly public ovation on his leaving the town for London, and old,
excited Dudley soon resumed its wonted quietude.
Died, April 18th, 1857, in lodgings in Birmingham, Mr. T. H. Naracher,
a retired Chemist and Druggist from this town. Mr. Naracher had
passed through a very eventful life. He was a native of Zurich, in
Switzerland, and, in early life had travelled the continents of Europe
and America, and became a famous linguist. In the exciting, gambling
Railway mania of 1844-5-6, poor Mr. Naracher invested his comfortable
income, which was all swept away, and he died in poverty and indigence,
aged 56 years.
Died, May 12th, 1857, Mr. Charles Lester, Wine and Spirit Merchant,
Market Place, the last surviving son of the late Mr. Thomas Lester,
aged 36 years.
June 2nd, 1857. The Dudley Castle Fetes took place this day, when two
large siege guns, taken at Sebastopol from the Russians, were drawn
up to the rampart of the Castle Keep, and inaugurated as trophies
with great pomp and acclamation by the Dudley Troop of Worcestershire
Yeomanry.
July 20th, 1857. The Odd Fellows of the Manchester Unity walked in
procession with their regalia through the town this day, and dined at
their various Lodge rooms.
Died, July 22nd, 1857, Mr. Benjamin Leadbetter, a noted Querist.
August, 1857. Upon the appointment to the important situation of
Organist to the Parish Church, much uncharitable feeling was generated
in the parish by the Vicar, Dr. Browne, refusing the use of the vestry
to arrange and discuss this parochial business; ultimately, the Vicar
gained his especial point, and all that the Churchwardens could do was
to bottle the affront offered to them and the parish, and publish the
following correspondence to tell its own tale.