The Press.
London, England, 1853-12-31 00:00:00

(Second Notleo.]

WHATEVER may be the estimation formed of
his literary abilities, we think it evident that
Mr. Macaulay was never intended by nature
for a man of action. A politician who looks
on the world like au essayist cannot halve that
vigorous volition, that strenuous predomi-
nance of individuality, which rules men around
him like some mysterious influence, and draws
them on to follow The world's history is full
of many instances in which the greatest ce-
lebrities have been almost solely indebted to
will for their great achievements. Luther was
often excelled as theologian, scholar, and
writer ; but whole colleges full of men like
Erasmus, or some of our recent ambiguous
theologians, could never have influenced the
fate of Christendom like the mighty will of
Luther. In the cabinet and the field Crom-
well owed his predominance neither to origin-
ality of ideas nor to subtlety of conception,
but to the transcendent energy of his resolu-
tion. So, in parliamentary history, Walpole,
Chadian', and all the great celebrities of the
Senate, have been distinguished for this tower-
ing faculty, which is as indispensable to a
statesman as melody to a poet, or subtlety to
a metaphysician. Wanting will, a nuui wants
power; and, wanting power, a man may have
knowledge, fine thoughts, and lofty aspira-
tions. but be con MVO' produce historical
actions. .

When Mr. Macaulay consented, at a critical
period in polities, to expatriate himself to
India, he showed that be did not aim at a
great political career. Affairs were at a crisis
in 1833. Constitutional changes had pPoceeded
too far. Reaction, necording to the old normal
law of English politics, was beginning to set
in against Reform. When a levelling body of
Radicals, aided by the anomalous Irish party
(that has existed since '2lO, wanted to upheave
the eillars of the Constitution, they were
sturdily encountered by fared Derby, the Duke
of Richmond, and others. Lord Althorp va-
cillated—the great body of the Liberals began
to look about them for a leader—anti Sir
Robert Peel plucked up seirit. At such a
time a maul with a tine genius for eloquence
had at magnificent opportunity for placing
himself at the head of the independent Eng-
lish " Liberals," and becoming one of the
powers of tlae State. Mr. Macaulay preferred
to go to India, realise an independence, and
be a literary wan in polities for the rest of his
days. Try Mr. Macaulay, as at man of action,
upon the great questions since 1833, and it
will be found that he adorned his party, rather
than originated its views. He has always been
a follower, never a leader—on echo, not an
inspiration. " Nature," says Mr. Fonblainque,
in his " England under Seven Administra-
tions," " must have formed Mr. Macaulay for
a trumpeter!" And in truth his talent in poli-
ties is more caleulated to sound a flourish of
victory than to mingle in the thick of the
fray. Ile has not a parental recollection of a
single great measure, but he has allayed in
splendid costumes the thoughts Or others.
Looking to the politicians of our own days,
we can see that the Duke of Wellington, Earl
Grey, Lord Palmerston, the Earl of Derby,
Sir Robert Peel, Lord .lohn Russell, Lord
)ia,,rateli, Mr. O'Con-
remarkable things
history of the age.
ere right or waolag.
lot actually carried
event has been de-
) Cabinet. has ever
never introduced a
into Parliament ;
Ily been in political
Is. I.;is never exhi-
of ~lun which men

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