The Sun.
London, England, 1850-06-17 00:00:00

LITERATURE.
BIOGRAPHY OF LORD JEFFREY.

- _
Au admirable biography of this illustrious critic
has recently appeared as the sixteenth number of the
new and popular periodical now in course of publica-
tion by the Messrs. Chambers, of Edinburgh. Until
the necessary re,earch shall have been made among
the papers of the deceased, and materials have been
thereby acquired for the composition of some more
voluminous and elaborate memoir of his career in the
legal profession and in literature, this brilliant and

s .
felicitous epitome of the life of Francis Jeffrey must
inevitably maintain a wide and genuine popularity.
Its style is healthy, and, when occasion requires, elo-
quent. Its selection of facts has about it an air
strikingly judicious. Its arrangement of those
facts is remarkable for lucidity and for its
constituting altogether a symmetrical outline
of a personal history, uneventful but conspicuous.
Beyond all this, the judgment pronounced by the bi•
ographer upon those manifold subjects which are
brought anew under discussion in the course of the
narrative, evinces a manly and eclectic appreciation
of matters diametrically opposed to each other in their
demands upon our sympathy and admiration. The
scope of the whole narrative, though brief in actual
extent, is bold and ample, embracing as it does not
merely an account of the personal vicissitudes expe-
rienced by Francis Jeffrey, together with episodical
de3criptions of some amongst his more remarkable
contemporaries, and opinions upon the range and
ripeness of his own intellect, but includes, moreover,
a novel and enthralling history of the establishment,
the rise and progress of that extraordi-
nary quarterly publication in the editing of
which Lord Jeffrey obtained his very splendid
and permanent reputation. The particulars which
have been accumulated upon this head by the writer
are altogether so new—never having been previously,
we believe, given to the public in any form whatever
—that that circumstance alone could not fail to secure

to the performance a large amount of public observa-
tion. Those who turn to the perusal of this sixteenth
number of Chambers's Papers for the People, con-
sisting of merely thirty-two pages, and costing only
three half-pennies, will be surprised at the rich and
valuable fund of information condensed together
within the compass by the adroit and virile hand of
the biographer. In reference to the actual memoirs
of Lord Jeffrey, as here given, we find little cause for
observation, seeing that we ourselves, immediately
upon the demise of that distinguished cotchuaan de-
lineated the principal features of an existence Whose
whole range had been honourable to the intel-
lectual repute of the children of Caledonia. In allu-
sion, however, to that portion of the masterly narra-
tive before us, which we have already specified as
possessing in itself a peculiar attraction, we mean the
portion relating to the rise and development of the
Edinburgh Review, we may be permitted to make
some few illustrative remarks, accompanied, for the
benefit of our readers with certain suggestive quota-
tions. On the Ist of November, 18G2, No. I. of the
Edinburyh Review appeared. Its publisher was the
" Scotch hixcenas," Archibald Constable. Its first
suggestor or originator was Sydney Smith. Its first
editor was Francis Jeffrey. Its contributors were
(besides the two remarkable writers just mentioned)
Thomas Brown, Francis Horner, Henry Brougham,
John Thomson, Thomson, and Allen. The
youth of all these men of genius and ambition, it will
be remembered, provoked from old Richard Cumber-
land, the playwright, an attack upon them as " the
young gentlemen of the Edinburgh Review." The
present biographer of the editor of that famous pub-

lication enables us to contrast in a single sentence the
relative precocity of the powers and the scholarship
of the whole corps of those reviewers. He says,
"In 1802 Sydney Smith was in his 34th year,
Jeffrey was 29, Dr. Thomas Brown 24, Horner 24,
Brougham 23, Allen 32, Dr. John Thomson 38, and
Thomas Thomson 32 :" and of these remarkable
men there are now alone surviving Mr. Thomas
Thomson and, the youngest of the eight, Lord
Brougham. From the account given by Sydney,
Smith of the first notion of the new quarterly perio-
dical we learn that the motto originally proposed by
him for the Review—
" 7 enui musam meditamur avena
meaning, " We culivate literature upon a little oat-
meal," was rejected for that more serious motto from
Publius Syrus which has since then adorned every
subsequent number of the blue-and-buff periodical—
" Judea damnatur cum nocens absolvitur r

signifying literally " The judge is condemned when
the guilty is absolved." But we must turn from our
own epitome of an epitome to the pages under consi-
deration, from which we make the following brilliant
excerpt relating to the foundation of the Edinburgh:—
" IV e are happy at being able to produce a still inure
interesting and detailed statement ot the Circumstances
attending the commencement of the Review—a docu-
ment hitherto unpublished, and written by Lord Jeffrey,
at the request ot Mr. Robert Chambers, in November
1846. It is as follows:—' I cannot say exactly where
the project t f the Edinburgh Review was first talked of
among the projectors. But the first serious consulta-
tions about it—and which led to our application to a
publisher—were held in a small house, where I then
lived, in Buccleuch Place (I forget the number). They
were attei,ded by S. Smith, F. Horner, Dr. Thomas
Brown, Lord Murray, and some of them also by Lord
Webb Seymour, Dr. John Thomson, and Thomas
Thomson. The first three numbers were given to the
publisher—he taking the risk, and defraying the charges.
There was then no individual editor, but as many of us
as could be got to attend used to meet in a dingy room
of Widison's printing-office in Craig's Close, where the
proofs of our own articles were read over and remarked
u[on, and attempts made also to aft in judgment on the
few manuscripts which were then offered by strangers.
But we had seldom patience to go through with this; and
it was sound found necessary to have a responsible editor,
and the office was pressed upon me. About the same
time Constable was told that he must allow ten guineas
a sheet to the contributors, to which he at once assented;
and not long after the minimum was raised to sixteen
guineas, at which it remained during my reign. Two-
thirds of the articles were paid much higher—averaging,
I should think, from twenty to twenty-five guineas a
sheet on the whole number. I had, I might say, an un-
limited discretion in this respect, and must do the pub-
lishers the justice to say that they never made the
slightest objection. Indeed, as we all knew that they
had (fur a long time at least) a very great profit, they
probably felt they were at our mercy.
" ' Smith was by far the most timid of the confe3eracy,
and believed that, unless our incognito was strictly
maintained, we could not go on a day; and this was his
object for making us hold our dark divans at Willison's
office, to which he insisted on our repairing singly, and
by back approaches or different lanes! 1218 also had so
strong an impression of Brougham's indiscretion and
rashness, that he would not let him be a member of our
association, though wished for by all the rest. He was
admitted. however, after the third number, and did more
work for us than anybody. Brown took offence at some
alterations Smith had made in a trifling article of his in
the second number, and lett us thus early; publishing at
the same time in a magazine the fact of his secession—a
step which we all deeply regretted, and thought scarcely
justified by the provocation. Nothing of the kind oc-
curred ever after.'
Later on the writer to whom we are indebted for this
interesting transcript from a previously unpublished
manuscript by Lord Jeffrey affords us some notion of
the munificence of Mr. Constable, as a publisher, by
the subjoined mention of the emoluments received by
Francis Jeffrey as editor of the Edinburgh Review,
during a period of a quarter of a century :-
1 " Constable," he says, "remunerated the editor of the
Edinburgh Review on a scale of what must then have ap-
peared princely liberality. From 1803 to 1809 a sum of
200 guineas was given for editing each number. The ac-
count-books are missing for three years after 1809, but
from 1813 on to 1826 Mr. Jefftey is credited ' for edit-
ing' 700/. a number, so that his salary appears to have
beGn more than trebled."
Speaking of the amount of tho circulation of the
Edinburgh, the biographer of its editor here ob-
serves :
" The first number of the Edinburgh Review appeared
on the Ist of November, 1802. The greater part had
been written, and even printed, some months previous,
but it was suggested by Constable that the publication
should be deferred until the commencement of the win-
ter season. The number of copies printed was 750.
The demand, however, exceeded this limited supply:
750 more w ere thrown off, and successive editions still
inure numerous were called for. In 1808 the quarterly
circulation of the Review had risen to about 9,000; and
it is believed to have reached its maximum about 1813,
when 12,000 or 13,000 copies were printed. Before the
poems ut Byron and the novels of Scott had taken the
public, as it were, by storm, this success was unpre-
cecknted."

And, remarking upon the splendid harvest which
sprouted up season after season, to be reaped down by
that one famous generation of critics, it is thus
specified :
" There was the poetry of Crabbe, of Campbell,
Moore, Southey, Coleridge, and Wordsworth—types of
different schools; there was the gorgeous chivalry of
Scott, with his long file of novels and romances, like an
endless procession of the representatives of all ages, con-
ditions, and countries; there was the Oriental splendour
and grace of Byron, alternating with his fierce energy and
gloomy philosophy—the still more erring and extrava-
gant genius of Shelley—and the youthful bloom of
lieates; there were the tales of Maria Edgeworth, of
Miss Austin, Galt, Wilson, and other not unworthy as-
sociates; the histories of Hallam, and the historical pic-
tures of .aacaulay; innumerable biographies of west
contemporaries who had gone before—the Sheridans,
Curraes, Wilberfurces, and Hebers; innumerable books
of travels, that threw open the world to our curious
gaze; the gossipping treasures of Strawberry-hill and
other family repositories, that revived the wits, and
poets, and beauties of a past age; the diaries of Evelyn
and Pepys; the inimitable letters of Cowper drawn from
their sacred privacy; the policy and intrigues of courts
laid tare; the whole world of literature and the living
world of Europe stirred to their inmost depths. What
rich materials in the wars and politics of the times—in
the rise and fall of Napoleon—in the overthrow of kings
and dynasties—in the perturbations even of the mighty
heart of England throbbing to be free! What disco-
veries in science and the arts—steam, gas, railways, and
intercourse!
all that facilitates and sweetens social Over
such vast and interesting fields had the Edinburgh Re-
view to travel, moving firmly under the guidance of its

editor, with elate and confident step, and attended by
thousands who caught its enthusiasm, and echoed its sen-
timents and opinions."
Even from the brief and disjointed quotations here
given, it will be easily recogni,,ed by the discerning
readers that the memoir of Francis Jeffrey, to which
we have directed their attention, although published
in a miniature form, and on that scale of extraor-
dinary cheapness for which the periodicals of the
Messrs. Chambers have long been remarkable, is a
biography of no ordinary pretentions for its beauty
and elegance of composition, its visible authenticity,
and its singular completeness. The authorship of
this same admirable and condensed epitome of the
life of an illustrious Scotchman we believe we may
with all correctness attribute to a fellow-countryman
of Francis Jeffrey—a gentleman of ripe scholarship
and known intelligence, we mean Mr. Robert Car-
ruthers of Inverness, Proprietor and Editor of the
Inverness Courier.

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE

BRADFORD REFORM ASSOCIATION.

Sir,—On Wednesday the 12th, in the Small Tene-
ments Rating Bill, after the third reading an imprtant
clause was brought up by the Member for Southampton,
decidedly the leader on legal subjects on the Liberal
side, for securing to the occupier of the small tene-
ments in question, all the privileges and franchises which
he would have possessed before the proposed Act, upon
his paying up the rates himself, with liberty to deduct
the amount from his rent.

Iu substance the contest appears to be, whether a dig-
franchising of the occupiers is to take place, through the
mere contrivance of receiving the rates from the owner,
which it is agreed on all hands must be laid by the
owner upon the rent. The question is not unknown to
those interested on the subject ot the franchise, on either
side. A few years ago it would have roused attention
from one end of the country to the other. And our ob-
ligation is not the less now, to the defender of popular
rights who gives the aid of his talent to the case. The
debate was finally adjourned till Monday.
On Thursday, on the County Courts Extension Bill, a
clause was brought up, and supported by the Lite, al
lawyers, for allowing an appeal in cases beyond twenty
pounds. The strong argument they advanced—and it
seems to come under the maxim In sad cuique arte—
was that judges decide much better when there is an
appeal hanging over them. And in the actual case there
appears no reason, why the appeal which lies from judges
in more formal and important courts, should be refused
in these which are less. The argument urged in reply,
was that litigants had rather have no appeal and have
done with it; a very doubttul conclusion, inasmuch as
every litigant would seem to have the option at all times,
of securing to himself this species of tranquillity, by de-
termining not to appeal. But this kind ot argument has
made its appearance several times in Parliament of late.
For example, one Member represented, that he wanted
the post to be stopped, because he did not like to open
his letters on a Sunday; and he could discover no way
of doing this, but by praying that the post might be
stopped to everybody else. We do not want Cadi's
law; though it might do very well for a man who could
secure everybody's being bastinadoed but himself.
Gentlemen look at cheap and slovenly justice, and cry
" How nice!"; but the man who thinks himself injured
by it is of a different opinion. The whole depends
on thinking yourself the lucky man who is not to be
hurt.

The effort however for introducing an appeal, made
finally very little way, being rejected by 108 votes
against 25.
On the Public Libraries and Museums Bill a curious
scene took place. An attempt to oppose the Speaker's
leaving the Chair was put down by 87 votes against 21,
svhich is something more than four to one. Tne Bill in
short was progressing to the full content of all who
wished it well, and a not very lively orator was drag-
ging out a sort of Alexandrine opposition as usual,
when the House was thrown into amaze by a prominent
Member on the Liberal side rising and moving to report
progress or deter the proceedings to another time,— being
exactly what au enemy does if he can, with the hope of
turning over a discussion to a leas favourable House.
Whereon the mover of the Bill immediately took up the
strain, and declared that in consequence of the oppo-
sition made to the Bill—there being manifestly to the eyes
of everybody but himself no opposition at all—he would
take time to consider whether he would not withdraw
the Bill. The Anti-Librarian party of course were
thrown into ecstasies of hilarity; which were heightened
by a Liberal Member rising and declaring, that as an
impartial witness he was bound to say that all the opposi-
tion to the Bill was from his side of the House. _ _

The Liberal side of the House having thus made itself
a laughing-stock, the considerations afterwards are
rather serious. Who, with a common care for self-pre-
servation, is to act with a party from whom such opera-
tions are to be looked for? The average of men are
not prepared to go on under such circumstances. No-
body can stand being made ridiculous, if he can see
a way to hinder it. The explanation of this
most inglorious proceeding, so far as it has been
arrived at, is that the wealthy boroughs are getting tired
of the notion of being rated for public libraries, and so
this method was taken to get rld of the Bill. But there
is no reason why unsuspicious innocents should have
been led to commit themselves; and they will not be
again.
In the Marriages Bill some progress was made. The
confidence of the louse in what is called the unanimity
of Scotland and Ireland against the Bill, was much
shaken by the considerations that in Edinburgh there
was fighting in a public meeting, and iu Ireland seven-
eighths of the population are devoted believers in a Church
which grants dispensations on easy terms for the mar-
riages in question, and of course do not believe their
Church compounds for incest. Under ordinary circum-
stances, the Bill might be considered settled in the Com-
mons. But the opponents declare their determination
to try their luck again. The O'Gorman Mahon, in an
effective speech, gas e example of the confidence with which
an Irish Homan Catholic gentleman may be looked to
for sound views on the question of religious liberty.
In the actual position of the world, such a politician is
entitled to take a lead.

...
On Friday the motion for inserting the words " and
children" in the Factory Bill was lost by a majority of
one, the numbers being 160 to 159. The other motion
for reducing the hours of labour was opposed by 181
against 142.
The Metropolitan Interments Bill was carried through
Committee.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
AN OLD REFORMER.

London, June 17, 1850.

COURT CIRCULAR.

OSBORNE, JUNE 15.
The Queen and Prince walked early this morning
in Osborne Park.

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales,
the Princess Royal, and the younger members of
the Royal Family, walked and rode in the grounds.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince Augustus of
Saxe Coburg Gotha, and the Princess Clementine,
crossed from Portsmouth in the Fairy yacht, and
reached Osborne about twelve o'clock. Their Royal
Highnesses remained to luncheon with her Majesty
and Prince Albert, and returned to St. Leonard's in
the afternoon.

His Excellency the Chevalier Bunsen left Osborne
early this morning_ and returned to London.

There was no addition yesterday to the royal dinner
party.

JUNE 16.

The Queen and Prince Albert, accompanied by the
younger members of the Royal Family, walked early
this morning in Osborne park and grounds.
Her Majesty, his Royal Highness, the Princess
Royal, and the ladies and gentlemen of the royal
household in waiting, attended Divine service this
forenoon at Whippingham Church. The Rev. J.
Protheroe officiated.

- There was no addition yesterday to the royal dinner
party.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, accom-
panied by his Serene Highness the Prince of Lei-
ningen, and attended by Lady Anna Maria Dawson
and Lord James Murray, honoured her Majesty's Theatre
with her presence on Saturday evening. Her Royal
Highness the Duchess of Cambridge (attended by Baro-
ness Ahlefeldt), and his Royal Highness Prince George,
also honoured her Majesty's Theatre with their presence.
His Royal Highness the Prince Augustus of Saxe
Coburg Gotha visited her Royal Highness the Duchess
of Kent on Friday, at Clarence House, St. James's.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited
her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester on Satur-
day, at Gloucester House.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Kent and the
Duchess of Gloucestsr attended Divine service yester-
day morning in Grosvenor Chapel.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge
and the Princess Mary attended Divine service yesterday
morning in St. Michael's Church.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Cambridge and
Priace George attended Divine service yesterday morn-
ing in the chapel of the Female Orphan Asylum.
His Serene Highness the Prince of Leiningen visited
his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge yesterday.
A Cabinet Council was held on Saturday at the Fo-
reign-office. The Ministers present were Lord John
Russell, the Marquis of Lansdowne, Sir George Grey,
Viscount Palmerston, Earl Grey the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, Sir Francis Baring, Sir John Hobhouse,
the Right Hon. H. Labouchere, the Earl of Carlisle, the
Earl of Mato, and the Right Hon. Fox Mettle. The
Council sat three hours.
His Excellency Mehemed Pacha, the Turkish Am-
bassador, , has returned to ,Bryanston-square from the
Continent, after having fulfilled his special mission to
his Majesty the King of Holland.
A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Currie, Morgan,
Rownum, and Venables, bad an interview with the
Commissioners of Railways on Saturday, at their office
in the Board of Trade.

.•a ••••••
A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce,
Dublin, consisting of Mr. Thomas Wilson. Mr. Thomas
Hutton, Mr. Charles Haliday, and Mr. Francis Codd,
had an interview with Sir George Grey, on Saturday,
at the Home office.
Sir Thomas Freemantle, Chairman of the Customs,
had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer
on Saturday, at his official residence in Downing-street.
The Finance Committee of the Royal Commission
for the Exhibition of 1851 met on Saturday at the
Board of Trade. There were present Earl Granville,
Lord Overstone, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Sir
Alexander Spearman, and Mr. T. F. Gibson. Colonel
Reid, R.E., Chairman of the Executive Committee, at-
tended.

Dispatches were received on Saturday at the Colo•