The Sun.
London, England, 1848-09-23 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY . EVENING, SEPTEMR_ER

men. The character of Lord George Bentinck's Mind was
not one that imposes any difficult task on the psychological
analyst. His faults and his excellences were alike patent to
superficial observation. On the one hand, his indiscreet and
headlong advocacy of an exploded economical theory, his
general immaturity of thought and judgment, and his un-
justifiable bitterness of language and deportment towards
political opponents; on the other hand, his untiring industry
his indomitable courage and perseverance, his extraordinary
aptitude for mastering the details of a subject, and his con-
sistent and unwavering fidelity to a cause which he doubt-
less believed to be that of truth—such 41Z the main
elements of the mixed impression which the deceased Pro-
tectionist leader has left on the minds of his countrymen.
We are not aware that we can make any matWal addition
to the preceding enumeration ; but we may, perhaps, offer
some remarks that will Oanduce to a correct and iwpartial
valuation, both of the infirmitils and of the gitobli (quanta
exhibited in his brief political career, considered Abla icier-
ence Wale circumstances in which he was placed, and the
relation in which he stood to his Parliamentary contempora-
ries. If we are not much mistaken, a dispassionate estimate
of the peculiar position which Lord George Bentinck occu-
pied during those two years which may be said to have con-
stituted the whole of his political life, will be found to justify
a somewhat different distribution of the lights and shades of
his Lordship's public character, from that which first presents
itself on a hasty and one-sided view. We are inclined to
think that the better qualities of his mind and character will
be seen to stand out in fuller relief, and that his obvious
faults will appear materially extenuated, when due allow-
ance is made for the fact, that events suddenly placed
him, in the eighteenth year of a comparatively inert par-
liamentary line, at the head of a large and exasperated
political party. To a man of an eager and impulsive tem-
perament, little accustomed to that self-discipline of speech
and temper which parliamentary leadership demands, and
which can scarcely be learned but in the school of daily and
hourly experience, there could not be a much more dangerous
trial. Lord George Bentinck's position, since the spring of
the year 1846, has been one in which his constitutional
faults were not only totally unchecked by the guiding or re-
pressive influence of sedates coadjutors; but were fostered
and stimulated by the certainty that boundless applause
awaited every display of extemporised political acquisitions,
and of isitter party feeling. Few public men, probably,
possessing the native ardour of temperament requisite for the
leadership of a broken and dispirited party, would have sus-
tained less injury from that perilous promotion than did
Lord George Bentinck. Certainly, still fewer could
have equalled the energy and ability which he undoubtedly
displayed, under difficulties calculated to damp and depress
the most self-confident enthusiasm. Violence of language,
crudity of thought, error of statement, misapplication of facts
to theories, and of theories to facts—these can scarcely sur-
prise us in the raw and inexperienced leader of a very nume-
rous and very angry party, who had all his political know-
ledge to acquire on the spur of • the moment. The marvel is,
that under circumstances so singularly disadvantageous, Lord
George Bentinck was able to exhibit so many of the talents
and qualifications—if not of a statesman—at least of an ex-
pert and able orator and politician. Thus, while the de-
ceased Nobleman's characteristic failings_were, to a very
large extent, attributable to the peculiarities of his position,
his virtues were all his own. On the more agreeable
aspects of his public career, we need scarcely dwell at length.
We believe the general verdict of Lord George Bentinck's
political opponents will bear us out when we say, that while
an impetuous temper frequently hurried him beyond the
limits of propriety and right feeling in his attacks on those
who differed from him, his own political course was entirely
free from those meaner faults which he was too prone to im-
pute to others. We are not aware that any act of shabbi-
ness was ever associated with his name. It must be added
that many Of his political opinions and leanings indicated an
essentially generous nature. On all subjects involving the
principles of religious liberty, he continued to the last faith-
ful to his first liberal convictions. It was especially honour-
able to him that he made no effort to conceal or com-
promise his earlier opinions on topics of this class after
he had become connected in the closest relations of in-
timacy with a party to whom they were utterly dis-
tasteful. The open and manful avowal, at so recent a
date as the general election of 1847, of the policy of
endowing the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland—
and, yet more, the support which he gave, at a still
heavier cost, to the measure of Jewish emancipation—must
never be forgotton by those who would pass a just and true
judgment on the deceased leader of the country party. Nor
can we omit to advert, with peculiar satisfaction, to the cir-
cumstance that his last public act was a ster and peremp-
tory refusal to accept " popularity" in Ireland dishonour-
ablel
terms. In general, we may say that Lor 'eorge Ben-
buck was amply endowed with the virtues which are com-
monly found in connexion with party violence and passion,
and of which these are, in a manner, the distorted and exag-
gerated image. We have spoken freely and frankly of this
remarkable man, as we totally abjure the auligrity of that
we 1-known canon which would restrict obilMfy criticiarn
to one-half of the facts that present themselves for ethical
judgment. We wiii only say, in conclusion, that we believe
Lord George Bentinck's brief political career—strongly ad-
verse, as it: has been, to the prevailing tone of public feel-
ing and conviction—has left, on the whole, no unkindly im-
pression on the minds of his countrymen ; and that, even
apart from the mdurnfully-abrupt and premature termina-
tion of his course, which at once hushes party passion, and
obliterates the recollection of party animosities, an indul-
gent and generous verdict awaits his name and memory.

(From the lreraid.)
The assassination of Mr. Spencer Perceval, and the sud-
den prostration of Lord Liverpool. are the only events of
modern times in England which at all resemble, in their
suddenness, and their momentous results, the loss sustained
by the country yesterday, in the death of Lord George Ben-
tinck. It is true that his Lordship occupied no office or post
of responsibility. His departure does not impose on the So-
vereign the necessity of reconstructing the Government. For
the moment, all things may proceed in their accustomed
course. Lord George occupied no other position than that
of a simple Member of Parliament. But still, such was the
rank and position to which his own powers had raised him,
that we have no doubt that both Lord John Russell and Sir
Robert Peel are sensible of a vast change in their own stand-
ing, circumstances, and prospects, the moment the announce-
ment reaches them, that " Lord George Bentinck has been
found dead in Welbeck Park." There has, perhaps, scarcely
been an ins!ance, in any previous history, of a fame and
position of power being wrought out for himself by any
man, under circumstances resembling those of this
eminent leader. Youths such as Pitt and Canning have
been trained for the grand goal of supremacy—have been
helped forward by all kinds of factitious devices; and, hav-
ing genius and energy, have won the prize which they and
all their friends desired and expected them to win. But it is
a very different thing for a man to remain in Parliament for
twenty years, content with a seat on the back benches;
neither imagining himself nor being imagined:by any one else
to possess more than ordinary powers ; and then,:when called
forth by an erne:gency, to step into the front rank at the re-
quest of his friends, and there to find, and to show, instan-
taneously and without effort, talents which fill is opponents
with fear, and his fellow-combatants with admiration. Ta-
lent, however, is not the object of our especial admiration, or
we might be dragged at the chariot• wheels of a Sheil or a
Macaulay. To hear a man eloquently proving " the worse to
be the better reason" fills us with much more disgust than
pleasure. From any man whom we would follow, we
should require that he would ably maintain and defend sound
principles. In one respect, as our readers wild remember, we
have questioned the correctness of Lord Ggrge Bentinck's
views, and have declined his guidance. But in the general
policy of the Conservative party we ever found him an ear-
nest, sincere, and most efficient combatant; and we have
frequently assigned to him the need of warmest praise for
his most laborious and most successful efforts. it is the
weakness of the Conservative party, and the strength of the
Radical—that while the representatives of the latter re te-
nerally chosen for their talents, the representative. the
former are too often chosen merely for their rank, or lth,
or virtue, or general estimation. Take 100 of tke chief
county Members f England, and compare them wi 100 of
the representatives of the large towns • and while three-fourths
of the wealth and of the worth will be found in the first
class, three-fourths of the business-talent will be found in the
second. Hence it was that the eminent, the aoLriarkable
talents of Lord George Bentinck, in dealing with iM,ters
trade and finance, proved so singularly valuable to his party.
Few of the county,Members had qualified themselves at all
for taking a leading part in such discussions • and hence,
Lentil Lord George arose from among their wanks, they were
• isalrably overmatched by the Bowrings and Villierses, the
Brights and Cobden& But in another respect Lord George
claimed a still higher praise, in tbatthe set a still more useflll
example. So soon as he found that he was squired to la-
hour, he became a truly laborious Member o Parliament,
This, to the Conservative party, was both a t advantage
and a noble model. Too many of the country gentlemen of
England "do their counties) the honour of representing
them." Too many plainly; declare that rather than toil for
the public welfare, they would set off for Naples or for Rome,
and the county—and the country also—might go to perdi-
tion ! But Lord George Bentinck, so soon as he found that
labour was required, and required of him, hastened to give it;
and give it he did, most unremittingly, and most success-
fully. The highest and truest tribute to his memory is
found in the fact—a fact which none will in their hearts
deny—that his death is an event which may change the
destinies of the empire. We see not what may be the re-
sult. Doubtless the retainers of Sir Robert Peel will exult-

ingly cry, "Now that you Protectionists have lost your only
man of business, you must come back to us." But we are
not yf.t reduc€d to that state of desperation. Many there
are in the Conservative ranks who possess talents, if they
could but see it their duty to devote those talents, as Lord
George devoted his, to their country's service. Let such
pause and ask themselves, whether this event is not to them
a thrilling call. When was England more in want than
now, of a man fitted to lead her Senate in high and honour-
able courses ? And will any one tell us that no such man
exists ?

(From the Post.) •
There is but too good reason to believe that Lord George
Bentinck is no more. Such details as have reached us will
be found elsewhere : they are vague and general, but we
fear, nevertheless, that they leave no reasonable doubt of the
melancholy event. Feelings, to which we could not hope to
give adequate expression, crowd upon us while we announce
the lamentable death of this distinguished man. Cut off, by
an inscrutable dispensation of Divine Providence, when his
labours had begun to achieve their proper appreciation by
the public mind, when there scarcely remained a doubt that
he was destined to be the founder of a new, an honest, and
an uncompromising system of domestic and commercial policy
—it is impossible at this moment to calculate the irreparable
loss which the demise of Lord George Bentinck will occasion
to the country. To his afflicted family, or to those who en-
joyed the honour and happiness of his personal friendship, it
would be impertinent to dwell on the bereavement they
have sustained: As a man irreproachable in private life,
he must be deeply regretted by all who knew his virtues ; as
one in whom were recognised the ability and courage that
placed him in the front rank of the protectors of British in-
dustry and the promoters of British interests, the privation
affects the empire at large. It was of a great man that the
great orator of his day affirmed—"Nihil erat in ejus oz a-
tionibus nisi sineerum, nihil nisi siceum'atque sobrium." The
praise which Cicero awarded to Cotta is pre-eminently the
due of Lord G. Bentinck. He was, of all public men of his
age, without doubt, the most practical statesman. He
never sacrificed a friend to a trope, a cause to a meta-
phor, nor a principle to the hope of °Nee. He under-
stood by politics the art of making a nation great, a
people happy. He was a politician only because he was
a patriot, and earned by his honesty the respect of those
whom even he failed to convince by his reasoning. Indeed,
he could count his warmest admirers in the camp of his op-
ponents. His single-heartedness, his self-devotion, his dis-
interestedness, won him what was better than troops of
friends, the approval of the suffering millions whose interests
he pleaded alas !—in vain. In his nature no mean nor
resentful passion had a place. He was willing to relinquish
the
high
en position he had acquired in the House of Commons, h he
p apprehended that, by maintaining it, he should
c eril
flicthe great cause that had summoned him forth to the
ieotot.at.islal me:wais ready to serve in the ranks he had so often
about it. ambitionthat sort
no taint of meanness nor self-seeking
sort of ambition which a noble inlet.
lect might entertain that had detected the hollowness of
modern statesmansh thet insincerity of its professions, and
the blindness of itps
apir?nicipahtions. Broken, scattered, dis-
heartened, and'des
lion in the daring couragi,;e,t tteieTer7 party !Eland its salva-
evated sentiments, the un-
flinching heroism, of Lord George Bentinck. He gave their 4

1 , flag once more to the winds. He once more proclaimed the
truth that essentially they were the popular party, because
I their political action had for its object the popular good ; and
he gathered them once more together to resist once more that
sweeping tide of, capitalism and money-loving which
1 threatens our country with the horrors of a plutocracy.
Lord George Bentinck's name will not be forgotten when
the reaction visibly approaching becomes reality—when the
working classes Cane to mark by whom it was their
cause was first forcibly advocated, and the shabby
pretences of tlifeir mock friends distinctly exposed.
He leaves belOnd Ifim a reputstion which Ministers
might envy—which the smiles and 'frowns of Courts could
neither give nor take away. His name will be revered when
the bustling actors whirnow tread the boards of political life
are forgotten, and England, stlopting a happier policy than
that to which she has at pusent pledged her troth, shall re-
comic& the patriotic virtu; 'which inspired the eloquence,
so4lllbed the exertions, and stlexated the character of Lord
George Bentinck. Let. this be the consolation of his mourn-
ing friends— .
" To live in hearts we leave behind,
Is not to die."
(From the Advertiser.)
We have this day to record, which we do with much regret,
• the death of Lord George Bentinck. The melancholy event
took place at Thoresby Park, in the county of Nottingham,
on Thursday afternoon. The Noble Lord's death was
sudden. He had been in perfect health an hour or two be
fore it took place. The cause is understood to have been a
fit of apoplexy. The particulars, so far as they bare
transpired, will be found in another part of our impres-
sion. The death of Lord George, in the very prime of
life, and at a time when he filled so large a space in the pub-
lic eye, will produce emotions of deep regret in all parts of
the country ; for though wanting in that sugacity, that judg-
ment, and that tact which are necessary elements in the
character of a statesman, he was a man of very considerable
abilities, and possessed that fine, frank, open manner, and ge-
nerosity of nature, which never fail in this country to inspire
respect, no matter what the politics of the party may be.
The Noble Lord was a Tory of the old school. He gloried in
his attachment to Conservative principles, and was always
ready to submit to any personal sacrifice which his adher-
ence to his views might call on him to make. He was an
honest politician, which is more than can be predicated of
the great majority of our present representatives. Those who
considered the Noble Lord mistaken in his views, always
accorded to him the credit of being perfectly honest. There
was, too, a manliness about him, which rendered him
a great favourite with his countrymen. He was in-
capable of a mean or unworthy action. Whatever he felt,
he expressed ; whatever he thought, he said. There was
nothing of cunning in his nature; nothing of duplicity in his
composition. You saw the man in every word he spoke.
Language was with him the utterance of his real sentiments
and feelings. Anything in the shape of dissimulation was
foreign to Lord George Bentinck's nature. In truth, he
was much too open, honest, and candid, ever to have suc-
ceeded as a politician. It was said that he aspired to the
' Premiership. W e know not on what grounds the allegation
rests, or whether there exist any grounds for it at all. One
thing is clear—he never could have filled that office. Apart
from the ultraism of his views as a Tory, he lacked the lead-
ing qualities necessary in the man who would aspire to so ex-
alted a situation. He knew nothing of Parliamentary tactics.
The straightforwardness of his manner, and the openness
of his bearing, would have proved fatal to his possession
of the Premiership for many weeks, even had
circumstances raised him to that prominent position. We
have spoken of the Noble Lord's devotion to extreme Con-
eervatism. It is due to his memory to say, that, though a
party man, it was 'nom no factious motives that he identified
himself with those With whom he acted. Conservatism was
with him synetymous with patriotism. He potently believed
that protection to commerce and agriculture was indispen-
sable to the prosperity of the country. Free trade and com-
mercial ruin were, in his view, convertible terms. Lord
Eldon saw the sun of England's glory set for ever, when
Catholic emancipation became the law of England. Lord
George Bentinck saw the ruin of England's agriculture and
commerce in the free-Arade measures of 1846. The memorable
day which witnessed the adhibition of the royal signature to
the Corn Bill of Sir R. Peel, was, in his view, the blackest
in the annals of England's history. To this opinion
he adhered with steadfast attachment till the last. There
was a sturdy consistency in his views and in his conduct in
to
the House of Com ns, which extorted admiration from the
very worst of his, raducers. His political principles were,
indeed, a part of h hature. The man could not be severed
___

from his sentiments. His heart was in his creed. His was
no cold calculating faith. He embraced his views with fer-
vour, ands at all times ready to sacrifice fur them ease,
peßsonal lElllrczisp, and, greater still, the friends he most
esteemed. One of the most remarkable characteristics of
the Noble Lord's mind was the great facility with which he
arnassetl, arranged and stated the ficts connected with the
,questions which 16 brought before the House. His apti-
nude for dealing with the statistics of a subject was ex-
'trrsprdinarv. Perhaps, no speech ever delivered in the
House of Commons excited greater or more general surprise,
for the speaker's mastery of the statistical bearings of the
question, than did the celebrated speech of Lord George
Bentinck in favour of Government aid to Irish railways.
What made this memorable display of his Lordship's intimate
acquaintance with the question all the more remarkable was,

that he was not before linown to have turned his attention to
it. The speech took the House and the country by surprise.
Mr. Hudson and the other railway Members candidly con-
fessed, that on railway subjects, though they had wade
those subjects their special study for many years, .the
Noble Lord left them far behind. They were, indeed, no-
where. But it is unnecessary to dwell at greater length
on the Parliamentary career of the Noble Lord. To
the party with whom he so closely identified himself
his loss will be irreparable. Apart from his talents, his posi-
tion in society as the son of a Noble Duke invested him
with an importance which would not have attached to a man
of even greater abilities, occupying a less elevated place in
society. The extr,eme ConseKvatives can ill afford, in their
present paucity of both numbers and talent, to lose the lead-
ing man amongst them. The only man of mark who now
graces the ultra-Tory or Protectionist ranks is Mr. Disraeli.
tint though a good speaker ant brilliant debater, he wants
that standing in society which is necessary to give a man
weight in the House. Lord George's death will, in all pro-
bability, be followed by the breaking up of the extreme sec-
tion of the Conservatives. At any rate, we know of no one
among them who is likely to keep them long together.

BIOGRAPHY OF LORD GEORGE

BEN TIN CK.

(From the Times.)

With feelings of deep regret, and doubtless, also, with no
tie surprise, the public will learn that the valuable life of
one of the most prominent po!iticians of the present day has
been prematurely brought to a close. In a second edition
we published yesterday, we stated that a messenger had ar-
rived in Nottingham, at about half-past nine o'clock that
morning , announcing the death of Lord George Bentinck,
occasioned, as there was then *every reason to believe, by
apoplexy. It appears that his Lordship left Weibeck Abbey,
the seat of his father, on foot, and unaccompanied, at three
o'clock on Thursday afternoon, intending to proceed a dis-
tance of about six miles to Thoresby Park, the residence of
Lord Manvers, where he had an engagement to dine. As
Lord George had ;net arrived at the time he was expected
inquiries wets set on too'. and he was found, at
nine o'clock, on the footpath, quite dead. The de-
ceased, though commonly called Lord George Bentinck,
beep neverthelesi the baptismal appellations of Wil-
liam George Frederick Cavendish. He was born on
the 17th of February, 1802, and was therefore at
the period of this most lamentable event iu the 47th year of
his age. His Lordship was the fifth child, but the second
surviving son, of the present and fourth Duke of Portland.
It is probably known, if not to every reader, at least to a
considerable number of those who will peruse this article,
that the family of which the Duke of Portland is the head
has not been very long settled in this country. A certain
William Bentinck, of Overyssel, in Holland, was first page
of honour, andlubsequptly confidential adviser to William
Prince of Orange. AWOF the accession of that Prince to the
British throne, he was created a Peer of England, and his
vomessor in the peerage beestme, in the year 1716, Duke of
191 IN third Duke was a well known politician in
the reign of George
.111., and though scarcely deserving to
be calffid a statesman, filled the highest political offices, hav-
ing bed i Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland,and twice Prime Minis-
ter. His son, the present Duke, inherited the honours and
estates Of theismily in the year 1809, having previously
of Kaleomie, and of this marriage the Noble
mArried the, eldest daughter and coheir of Mejor-Gene-
stir Scott,
Lord just deceased was one amongst nine children. Al-
though he was a younger child, yet as his mother brought a
very considerable marriage portion to the already wealthy
house of Portland, Lord George was not circumscribed in his
pecuniary resourcesiiiithin fhe narrow limits usually imposed
upon those who occupy a similar position in the great fami-
lies of our aristocracy. It did not therefore become neces-
sary for him to engage with much ardour in the pursuit of
any laborious profession ; still it was thought desirable that
he should have some avocation, and we therefore find that he
entered the army, and eventually attaited the rank of major.
But the war had reached its close when the deceased noble-. man was a boy of 13 years of age. The profound and well..
cemented peace which has now lasted three-and-thirty years
offered to him no prospect of profit or promotion in the pro-
fession of arms; and he loved strong excitement too much to
endure the monotony of home service, while he valued the
enjoyments of elegant society too highly to endure a banish-
ment to the jungles of Hindostan ; so that, though he spent
some years in the military service of the Crown, the circum-
stances of his early life presented many considerations to in-
duce him, while yet a young man, to seek for advancement in
the civil departments of the State.
The celebrated George Canning, who had married Miss
Scott, the aunt of Lord George Bentinck, found in his Lord-
ship one of the best of his several private secretaries,-for he
had all the adroitness, delicacy of manner, knowledge of
human nature, method in business, shrewdness in negotia-
tion, and skill in epistolary correspondence, which such an
office is generally supposed to require, while it presented to
his Lordship one of the most favourable opportunities that
could possibly arise for entering into a public career. Look-
ing at the course of his life for the last four or five years, it
seems almost incomprehensible that he should have lacked
the moral courage, or the persevering industry to sustain him
through a brilliant political course. At that time, however,
he failed, and it was not till he sickened of other occupations
that he engaged with the requisite fervour and earnestness
of purpose in the pursuits of statesmanship and ambition.
It does not appear that he was returned to Parliament dur-
ing the administration of his uncle, Mr. Canning; but in
six months afterwards he succeeded his uncle Lord
William Bentinck as Member for Lynn Regis; and un-
til suddenly removed from this life, he continued in the
representation of that---not very nnportant—constituency,
the period of his incumbency somewhat exceeding 20 years;
yet, strange to say that he—one of the greatest celebrities of
the present House of Commons—remained amongst its ob-
scurest Members during five-sixths of the time that he en-
joyed a seat in that assembly. Not that he went on from
session to session in apathetic disregard of the prizes which
political eminence offer to those who become candidates for
that species of distinction. On the contrary, he made one or
two attempts which were considered by superficial observers
as grievous failures, but which, to better judges, seemed
indications of the ability that in more recent years gave
him the leadership of the Protectionist party. During
the period to which we now refer, Load George made
no strenuous attempts to rally or to recover his lost ground ;
on the contrary, he seemed irretrievably to sink under
the consequence of his ill success; and though he re-
tained his place among the silent representatives of the na-
tion, he suspended his claim to assume a position amongst
its orators and statesmen. But meantime where did he seek
solace under his discomfiture? Certainly where the world
would least expect to find such a man—on " the turf." To
readers in general it would convey information of little in-
terest to recapitulate the wonderful' horses that he possessed,
the skill and science in the art of breeding and jockeyship,
which made him celebrated amongst men whose talk is of
the Derby, or the St. Leger, the Oaks, or the Cup. In a
word, let it be said that he is understood to have had almost
all the qualifications which make a man eminent in the
sporting world—.unrivalled judgment in horseflesh, singular
shrewdness in penetrating the arcana of a racing stable,
matchless rapidity in calculating all imaginable chances, and
indomitable determinatku to expose and punish as many as
possible of the infamies which even yet continue to disgrace
the good Old manly Engltsh sport of horse-racing.

But this episode in the life of Lord George Bentinck will
be forgotten with the present generation, while his distill•
guished, though brief Parliamentary career, will remain inse-
parably connected with one of the most momentous legis-
lative enactments which modern history presents. It is
understood that the Duke of Portland regarded the sporting
pursuits of his son with considerable disapprobation, and
hailed with proportionate delight the withdrawal of Lord
George from the turf, and his return to the more elevated
occupations of political society. It can scarcely be forgotten
that when Mr. Canning accepted office, Sir Robert Peel, the
late Lord Eldon, the Duke of Wellington, and other eminent
Tories of that day, were said to have persecuted him with a
degree of rancour far outstripping the legitimate bounds of
political hostility—at least that was the opinion of Lord
George Bentinck, who said that "they had hounded to the
death his illustrious relative." This offence he never
forgave. He "bided his time," and soon after
Sir Robert Peel last came into power, Lord
George, though, like a sound Tory, he had not re-
fused to support the Wellington Ministry or the Peel Go-
vernment of 1834-5, still watched for and seized the earliest
opportunity of wreaking vengeance for the real or supposed
wrongs of Mr. Canning upon the head of the Right Honour-
able Member for Tamworth. Lord George Bentinck, it is
true, might have been perfectly sincere and consistent in
his opposition to the free-trade measures of Sir Robert Peel,
but the ardour of his opposition evidently derived its in-
tensity from a long-cherished sense of the injuries inflicted
upon Mr. Canning. At this time what are called the Pro-
tectionist party was formed. One or two country gentlemen
made feeble attempts to place themselves at its head; a few
efforts proved their inadequacy to the task, and it was soon
discovered that Lord George Bentinck, notwithstanding his
previous failures, and notwithstanding his infelicitous
manner as a public speaker, was the only man in the
House of Commons whose lead that party would follow.
Personal enemies he had none, but his political oppo-
nents were mortiked and astounded that such a man
should per sulturn become the head of the Opposi-
tion. Few public events are more extraordinary, or
will occasion more general surprise than the short period of
time in which Lord George Bentinck built up his Parlia-
mentary character; and yet, with the public at large, his
Lordship enjoyed even a higher reputation than that which
he had acquired amongst the habitues of the House of Com-
mons; for the matter of his speeches was excellent, and his
style (technically so called) not below par; on the contrary,
it was remarkably perspicuous, occasionally forcible, and even
picturesque; bat he was no sentence-maker, nor in the least
degree an actor, hence the effect of his speeches was produced
solely by those essential and intrinsic qualities which the
reader, a thousand mires from London, could compare with
judgment
and of rival and adverse statesmen with a cooler
and more perfect means of appreciation than men who,
listening in the House of Commons to the more artistic dis-
plays of professional orators, became so dazzled by light, and
so heated by fire, that they rarely did full justice to the array
of facts and reasoning which Lord George Bentinck was ac-
customed to bring to any discussion in which it suited his
views to stand forth either as advocate or accuser • it may,
therefore, be confidently asserted that many men less able,
but more accomplished, have secured a greater House of
Commons reputation than he; higher celebrity within the
walls of Parliament, and less influence out of doors.
Possibly his independence with reference to the stricter
bonds of party was not without its effect in giving him a
high place in the public estimation; for, whatever may be
thought with regard to the tendency of his doctrines, there
seems to be no inclination in any quarter to dispute his
general consistency and uprightness as a public man. He
was never an uncompromising partisan, for he voted against
the opinions of the higher Tories in supporting the measure
called " Catholic Emancipation." His next piece ofliberalism
was to vote in favour of the principle of the Reform Act,
though he opposed many of its details. He supported the Bill
for removing the Jewish disabilities; and it must be fresh
in the recollection of every reader that he recommended
the payment of the Roman Catholic clergy by the land-
owners of Ireland. Lord George, therefore, was so far
from being an old-fashioned "thick-and-thin partisan,"
that he might be better described as a politician pecu-
liarly favourable to the maintenance of open questions.
It is further a very remarkable feature in his character
and career that a man of such Parliamentary eminence
should not have belonged to any Government. He never
had a seat in the Cabinet, and never held high office;
his qualifications, therefore, as a practical statesman have
not been fairly tested. Though he made some important
propositions, of which the sixteen-million-loan to the Irish
railways may be cited as an example ; though he effected
many amendments in measures proposed by his political op-
ponents, yet the greater part of his Parliamentary career
was devoted to the exciting but barren toils of opposition.
To descant now upon his fitness for the service of the
Crown, or the probability that he possessed high admi-
nistrative .talents, or the fame that he might have ac-
quired as a financier, would be neither an easy
s,
nor a profitable task ; abandoning, therefore, that wide
field of speculation, and grasping the real instead of pursuing
the ideal, it may without hesitation be asserted that he was
one of the most formidable Members of her Majesty's Oppo•
sition who at any time occupied a place at the Speaker's left
hand. Many of his Hon. Friends displayed wit or learning,
eloquence, subtlety, or magnanimity, as might best suit the
nature of the occasion, or most readily accord with the tem-
per of the man ; bUt, come what might, Lord George Ben-
tinck almost always succeeded in giving a heavy blow to his
opponents. Other Members might entertain the House, or
interest the public of this land, or win for themselves even
a European reputation, but it has often been said that no
one within the same number of years made so many "damag-
ing speeches" as Lord George Bentinck, by which phrase
it was meant that no one contributed more than he did to
disturb, injure, and weaken the Ministry whose evil fate ex-
posed them to his merciless hostility. What he might have
been in power no man can tell—what he has been in opposi-
tion is best seen in the fact that scarcely any series of Par•
liamentary labours ever obtained for a Member of either
House so much influence in so short a time. As regards the
proximate cause of his death some difference of opinion
seems to prevail. The belief that he died of apoplexy was
yesterday very general, but the accounts received last night.
impute this moat unexpected and painful event to disease of
the heart. Both maladies are well know to produce sudden
death. Of course an inquest will be held, and the cause, if
possible, ascertained, of a loss which will be long and
severely felt, not only by his immediate relations, not only
by a large circle of personal friends, but by a considerable
body of political adherents. Lord George Bentinck was not
married.

DEATH OF THE EARL OF RATHDOWNE.—Accounts
received from Ireland announce the death of this nobleman
on Wednesday evening, at his seat, Charleville, county
Wicklow. The deceased, Henry Stanley Monck, Earl of
Rathdowne, Viscount Monck, and Baron Monck, of Bally-
trammon, county of Wexford, in the peerage of Ireland, was
horn July 26th, 1785, and married, July '2Bth, 1806, Lady
Frances Le Poer Trench, fifth daughter of William, first Earl
of Clancarty, by whom he leaves thirteen children, eight of
whom, all daughters, survive. In the absence of any male
heir, the earldom becomes extinct and the viscountcy is suc-
ceeded to by Charles Stanley Monck, Esq., who married his
cousin. Lady Elizabeth Louise Mary, daughter of the de-
ceased. The late Earl was a resident landlord, and a sup-
porter of the Conservative party in his native county.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN POLHILL.—This gentleman
(the announcement of whose death appeared in our obituary
of yesterday), for many years a prominent member of the
Lower House, expired on the 20th inst., at Ramsgate, aged
50. The name of the deceased will be familiar to the public
as a member of the theatrical and literary world. He was
for some time the lessee of Drury-lane Theatre, and has been
the author of several publications of merit. The Captain
was the grandson of the celebrated Southwark tobacconist,
and the second son of the late John Polhill, of Hornbury
Park, Bedfordshire. He married, in 1824, Frances Marga-
retta, daughter of the late John Deakin, Esq., of Baythorpe
House, Nottinghamshire. On the demise of his elder
brother he inherited the family property. In early life the
deceased entered the army, but retired some years since with
the rank of Captain. When first returned for the borough
of Bedford, in 1830, he professed himself a Conservative and
a supporter of Protectionist principles. In 1835 and in 1841
he came in on similar principles. In 1832 he was an unsuc-
cessful candidate. Latterly the deceased became an uncom-
promising supporter of Sir Robert Peel, and voted for the
Fon for the and other measures of that Minister.
the borough he was left in a minority
At
tpetahle of
asttheelceoctr
on the poll.
DEFENCE OF ACCUSED.—Though the recent Acts
of Parliament, Repeal, the one passed 20th August, 1836, as
to prisoners, in criminal cases, being entitled to copies of
depositions taken against them, and. persons charged, in penal
cases, before Justices in Petty Sessions having the benefit of
defence by counsel or attorney, are repealed ; yet this new
law re-enacts (in nearly the same words) those privileges.
THE MEMOIRS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF LORD
CASTLEREAGH.— Edited by his Brother the Marquis of Lon-
donderry.—We understand that this important work will be
published by Mr. Colburn on the 30th of September.
MILDRED VERNON.—A TALE OF PARISIAN LIFE.
—This work is too remarkable a one not to be universally
sought for. The moral tendency of the book, and that which
more especially concerns the English reader, is, to show. by
the details of a case, no one will deny to be a frequent one,
that we are not a bit more moral than our neighbours, and
that, in some points of, morality, on the contrary, they surpass
us. It tends, too, to prove that the frivolity, both of educa-
tion and habits in the English fashionable world, multiplies
the dangers which surround an English family abroad. It is,
in a word, the but too true history of the misery and ruin so
frequently drawn down on a young Englishman abroad—espe-
cially in Paris—by his enthusiastic temperament, his ill-disci-
plined (so called)" good heart," and his decided want of taste,
backed by the Spoiled child-like determination always to
attain what he desires, no matter at what cost I—Evening
Paper.
CARRIAGES AND HARNESS FOR THE SHERIFFS
ELEcr.—lt is now three years since we had occasion to no-
tice favourably the carriages built by Messrs. Laurie and
Marner, for the then sheriffs, who have again this year
built them expressly for the sheriffs elect, Mr. Alderman
Finnis and Jacob Goodhart, Esq. They certainly are two of
the most chaste and elegant carriages that have yet been
produced for any similar occasion. In the colours and ar-
rangements
generally, a beautiful effect has been produced
the colour of one being garter blue, with the City arms, the
zoned on the panels. The body is suspended on a pearl
Bowyer Company and the private arms beautifully embla
white carriage, relieved with gold and vermillion, the
hammercloth white with scarlet and gold fringe and green
velvet centre, the inside fitted up with white satin relieved
is fitted up in the same style, with rich brocade lace and the City arms embroidered on
roof; the other carriage
ex-
cepting colours, which are of a rich green body with a white
under carriage relieved with green gold ornaments with the
City arms, the Grocers' Company, and the private arms
richly emblazoned on the panels. The harness is also of an
elegant and novel description, being made entirely of patent
loather sewn with white, with the arms and crests richly
chased and emblazoned.
SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.—In pursuance of
certain resolutions agreed to at a meeting of members held
on Tuesday, the sth instant, a special general meeting of the
members of the society was held last night at Exeter Hall,
for the election of a conductor, and to consider and determine
what further conditions should be adopted with reference to
that office. The chair was taken by Mr. Harrison, the pre-
sident of the society.
Five or six candidates were proposed,
all of them men of standing and high professional eminence
as musicians ; but, after considerable discussion, the contest
lay entirely between Signor Costa and Mr. Perry, who has
been for about sixteen years the leader in the society. Upon
the votes being taken, there appeared for the appointment of
Signor Costa 97, and for Mr. Perry 28, being a majority of
69 in favour of Signor Costa. This appointment may be
hailed as a great accession of strength to the society, espe-
cially when Signor Costa's connexion with the Philharmonic
is taken into account; and it may also be regarded as a fur-
ther evidence of the anxiety of the members of the society
to increase its effectiveness and to Sustain its well-earned po-
pularity.
THE OVERLAND MAlL.—Yesterday, notice was
issued at the General Post. office, St. Martin's-le-Grand, that
the mail for China, India, Egypt, and the Mediterranean,
rid Marseilles, would not be dispatched till Monday evening,
the 25th inst.

- ROYAL PATRONAGE.—The Queen has been gra-
ciouslyby special appointment, to confer on Messrs.
B
Buyers, distillers, Loch-nit-Gar, the honour of
egganpdleasßed,
uy
distillers to her Majesty.

THE NEW NOVELIST.
Now ready, at all the Libraries,
THE DISCIPLINE of LIFE,
In Three Volumes.
" Since Miss Austen ceased to write, and Mrs. Marsh began, we
have had no other story-telling of its class that we would place
upon a level with this, for freshness, straightforwardness, and truth
of tone and feeling."—Examiner.

henry Colbuim, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

With Six Portraits and a Map, pricebounds
STORY of the PENINSULAR WAR.
IN A SINGLE VOLUME.

-UNIFORM WITH THE STORY OF WATERLOO.

- " Every page of this work is fraught with undying interest."
" We needed such a book as this—one that could give to the rising
generation of soldiers a clear notion of the events which led to the ex•
pulsion of the French from the Peninsula."—United Service Gazette.
Henry Colburu, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

'IIHE EDINBURGH REVIEW,
1 No. CLXXVIII , will be published on Saturday next, the
30th instant.

CONTENT/.
1. Mill's Principles of Political Economy.
2. Walpole's Letters to the Countess of Ossory.
3. Revolution and Reform.
4. Fortune's China. Gardening.
i . Ethnology; or, the Science of Races.
6 llervey's Memoirs of the Reign of George 11.
7. State of Europe.
London : Longman and Co. Edinburgh : A. and C. Black.

THEATRE ROYAL, HATMARRET.
Under the direction of Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENING

Ali be performed, THE WRECK ASHORE. Miles Bertram, Mr.
Joyce; Grampus, Mr. 0. Smith; Marmaduke Magog, Mr, Wright;
Alice. Mrs. Yates ; Bela, Miss Woolgar.
To be followed by the celebrated Comedy of PAUL PRY. Frank
Hardy, Mr. Stoker; Witherton, Mr. Cullenford ; Somers, Mr. Wor
rell ; Colonel Hardy, Mr. Lambert ; Mr. Stanley, Mr. Thomas;
Harry Stanley, Mr. Boyce ; Paul Pry, Mr. Wright ; Grasp, Mr. 0.
Smith ; Eliza, Miss M. Taylor ; Marian, Miss Emma Harding ; Mrs.
Subtle, Mrs Yates ; Phcebe, Misi Woolgar.
To conclude with the Farce of SHOCKING EVENTS. In which
Kr. Lambert, Mr. Worrell, Mr. Munyard, Miss Harding, and Miss
Cihspiiii will perform.

ROYAL SURREY THEATRE.
Under the direction of Mr. Kerschner.
Mr. KERSCHNER has the honour most respectfully to acquaint
the Patrons of this Theatre that his BENEFIT will take place on
MONDAY next, September 25, on which occasion a variety of the
most attractive Entertainments will be performed, supported by all
the available talent of the day.
Private Boxes, Tickets, and Places may be secured at the Theatre,
and at all the West-end Libraries.
Manager and Treasurer, Mr. B. S. Fairbrether.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. W. Batty.
Last Week but Two of the Season, arrangements having been made
for the appearance of the Equestrian portion of the Establishment
at Edinburgh.
Triumphant success of the Popular Equestrian Spectacle of Mazeppa,
which has been nightly received with enthusiasm.
Brilliant career of Lady Godlya.
Unparalleled Equestrian Feats.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed Lord Byron's Hippodramatie Spectacle of
KAZEPPA ; or, The Wild Horse.
To be followed by the inimitable EQUESTRIAN and GYMNAS-
nc. EXERCISES in the ARENA.
To conclude with a Grand Pageant, entitled LADY GODIVA
AND PEEPING TOM OF COVENTRY; or, Clearing the Toll.
Box-office open from Eleven till Five.
Stage Manager, Mr. W. West.

ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
LAST FIVE NIGHTS OF THE SEASON.
Attraction unprecedented.

Continuation of MISS SARA FLOWER and MISS TOWNSEND,
Re-engagement of MR. HENRY PHILLIPS.
First Appearance of Mr. A. SEDGWICK.
The DAYLIGHT VIEW of ROME, by Dawson.
Superb and Unique MENAGERIE.
Grand Display of FIREWORKS, by the Messrs. Southby.
No Extra Charge.
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and
FRIDAY.

View of Rome —Promenade Concerts, Vocal and Instrumental,
conducted by Mr. GODFREY. The splendid Band of SololPerformers
included Messrs. H. Collins, Ciofli, George and Viotti Collins, Richard-
son, &c.—Two Solos will be performed each Evening by Artists of
Eminence.—Several favourite Songs and a Duct by Miss Sara Flower
and Miss Townsend—Two favourite Songs by Mr Henry Phillips,
for this week only —The Programme will contain a choice selection
of popular Quadrilles and Waltzes.—Also to be seen, during the day.
the beautiful Menagerie—Shakspere's House—The Magic Bridge—
and other novelties will be exhibited, the whole concluding with
a most magnificent and not to be rivalled display of Fireworks, which
elicited such rapturous approbation on the occasion of M. Jullien's
Benefit, by the Messrs. Southby
Gates open at Ten ♦.M., Feeding Time Half-past Four—Concert at
Half-past Five—Fireworks at Half-past Eight.
Admission. as usual, One Shilling.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
No communication can be attended to unless autheati.
cated by the name and address of the writer.
dejected communications cannot be returned.

THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICE, SEPTEMBER 23.
THERMOMETER, Lowest, 55; Highest, 72; Noon, 63,
BAROMETER, 29.73.
WIND W.S.W., thick hazy weather, with rain.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE THIS DAY.
Morning .. 41 min. after 10 I Evening .. 19 min. after 11

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