The Sun.
London, England, 1840-07-10 00:00:00

CHIEF BARON WOULFE.

We learn with the most sincere regret that the Right
Hon. Stephen Woulfe, Chief Baron of the Exchequer
in Ireland, died at Baden-Baden on the 2d instant. Mr.
Woelfe was one of the first Roman Catholics promoted
to high station in Ireland, and there could not possibly
be an individual selected whose choice reflected more
credit upon the Government that promoted him, than
that lamented and accomplished gentleman.
11Ir. Weulfe was of an ancient and most respectable
family in the county of Clare, where Ire succeeded to
a good family estate. A most distinguished scholar
and accomplished gentleman, be brought to the pro-
fession of the law great acquirements and elevated
views. While he steadily pursued his way to sure pro-
fedional eminence, be could not have avoided taking
some part in the stirring politics of his country. That
part was—though moderate and respectable—invari-
ably firm, consistent, and unflinching. He was early
honoured by the frieodship and regard of Mr. (now
Lord) Plunkett, the Lord High Chancellor of Ireland.
Many years ago, when an attempt was made, at a
meeting of the Roman Catholic body, by Mr. O'Cca-
nell, to withdraw the petition of the Catholics from Mr.
Plunkett, and to intrust it to Sir Francis Burdett, Mr.
Woulfe most ably and successfully resisted the :notion,
the result of which was, on the part of Mr. Plunkett,
one of the most brilliant displays—even of that distin-
guished man—in behalf of his countryman:. Mr.
Woulfe had thus shown his independence of the great
leader of the Catholics, and the clear judgment and
foresight of his political views. On another re-
markable occasion he had an opportunity of prov-
ing that he could be equally firm in resisting the
unconstitutional stretch of power, even in friendly
baiak When his friend Mr. Plunkett--then Attorney-
General—thought fit to institute a prosecution against
Mr. Shiel, for a speech in the Catholic Association,
Mr. Woulfe, though by no means a constant attendant
at the meetings of that body, came expressly down to
throw the shield of his character and sympathy round
its most eloquent member, and denounced tles pro-
ceeding of the Government in a speech of so much
strength and eloquence, as caused the abandonment
of that ill-judged procieling.
What rendered this step the more creditable to Mr.
Woulfe's integrity and boldness, was the fact that he
was the only Roman Catholic who at that time held a
position to which be was appointed by the Attorney-
General, and removable by that officer, namely, Coun-
sel for the Crown upon circuit. A Tory Attorney-
General would have removed him for much less show
of independence.
When time storm of the Repeal agitation ;aged in
Ireland, Mr. Woulfe, at the risk of losing all political
and professional popularity—in Ireland so much cee-
nected—hesitated not a moment to sign the Leiotter
Declaration in favour of the Union. _ _

These incidents in his life sufficiently prove the kW)
and consistent character of his political careen He
was a Whig of the true eld English school rather than
a mere Irish politician. Atter the Reform Bill he Ties
elected M.P. for Cashel, and became Attorney-General
for Ireland. The delicate state of his health prevented
any frequent display in the House of Clinmons. His
speech on the Irish Municipal Corporation Bill, how-
ever, has always been considered one of the most elo-
quent and constitutional appeals in favour of that tape-
sure of justice and equality. As a man he was iseloved
and respected by all who knew his worth, his amiabi-
lity, and his accomplishments.

THE YORKSHIRE ASSIZES.-011 Saturday
next the Commission of Assize will be open 4 at York Ciatte,
and at the Guildhall. It will be seen no re-14room to the esk-
lendar in another column, that the average cumber et r
for trial is less than at some former Summer Assigestirequilg
we regret to say that the enormity of the crime is greater.
There are four eh:it-god with milder (three of them arritoie
(an unusual circumstance) one with intent to morder, sir with
rape and intent, ~c.„4,ve with stabbing, the grvat Yorksthlre
burglar, citZ Cbteraitt.