The Press.
London, England, 1857-11-21 00:00:00

just as gond proofs of its prowess as if their
names had been Grenville and De Vere.
Aristocracy in the other sense of the
word is a totally different affair. It is a
most valuable political institution. But its
maintenance rests upon entirely distinct
grounds, anti its merits havo no proper place
in the present discussion.
But, to leave historic illustration, and descend
to contemporaneous events, do the assertions
put forward by the Times derive any support
from the experience of the last few years
Who were the most distinguished leaders in

the late war? Who led their men, never
under fire before, through a hailstorm of can-
non and musketry, up to the very bayonets of
a foe with every advantage of ground, num -
bers, and position ? And who, when the short,
sharp struggle was done, lay pouring out
their heart's blood on the crimsoned slopes of
of Alma, but scions of those very houses
which are now alleged to be degenerate ?
One of the most ancient and noble fa-
milies in Britain which lost two gallant
sons in the vindication of European li-
berty might well have been spared this mean
and mendacious taunt. Who led the six hun-
dred into the valley of death? And who, at that
second Albuera, where, as has been well said,
" groom fought like noble, squire like knight,"
was conspicuous above all for intrepidity and
devotion, but the lamented CATM;ART ? Who,
during the long and dismal winter, when the
stoutest heart quailed, and the kindest grew
cold in the selfish apathy of despair, fur-
nished so bright an example of unflinching
attention to his duties, and unflagging solici-
tude for his soldiers, as the gallant Colonel
YEA? And who, of all our heroes, fell more
gloriously with his front to the foe on that
hapless anniversary of Waterloo? This true
soldier, as great in the sickening trials of the
camp as in the fearful moment of assault,
was of that ancient west - country stock
whose deeds have been worthily cele-
brated in the fervid periods of Kt NGSLEY.
Who was universally recognised as the
ablest officer in our army, and the fittest suc-
cessor to Lord RAGLAN, but the zealous and
unfortunate MARKHAM, whose end, if less
brilliant, was not less glorious than that of a
Yea, a Cathcart, or a Goldie. And MARKHAM,
too, sprung from a famous old race of English
gentry. Who, on that final day of blood,
when the act of one man redeemed disaster
from disgrace, and hid his country's failure
behind the spectacle of his own heroism, was
the adored of every English tongue, and the
theme of every English pen, but he whose
name requires no illustration from us—a
descendant of the ancient WYNntiAms ? And
who now, when the loss of our vast Oriental
dependency seemed a possible event, were
chosen to restore our fortunes with the full
concurrence of the nation, but the two aristo-
cratic names of Wyndham and Campbell?
We ask no more for the aristocracy than a
fair field and no favour. By their fruits shall
we know them. If they are really degenerate
they cannot lead us in battle ; and if they do
not lead us in battle they can never lead us
elsewhere. As long, however, as any of their
old fighting qualities remain in them, it is as
impolitic to deprive ourselves of their services
as it is ungracious to begrudge them an acknow-
ledgment. The middle classes in this country
do not require to be exalted by the unjust
depreciation of the upper. They stand on
independent ground, and can afford to despise
adulation from below as well as hostility from
above. None, we are certain, would have been
' so eager to deprecate the odium of a comparison
as the brave men who have departed. Never
was greater need for all classes to stand
shoulder to shoulder, and strive with one heart
for the redemption of national honour and the
satisfaction of innocent blood. Let not events
which ought to be a call to union, be turned
t to an occasion of discord. There is no need