The Sun.
London, England, 1828-07-01 00:00:00

LONDON MAGAZINE.

Of this number we can at resent gay no more
than that—judging from the nature of its contents—
it will amply repay perusal. We are glad to find
that a series of legal papers is in progress through
the Magazine; which, if they be followed up with
the same spirit with which they haVe hegrui, will be
of infinite service to it. From time to time, during
the month, we may make extracts from the different
Magazines, and this must he the excuse for our pre-
sent summary abridgement.

'MONTHLY MAGAZINE.
" Meditations on Motu►tains " is a spirited sketchy
paper, penned by •one vrVio has a ettong relish for
mountain scenery about him. The style, though
here awl there careless, is mtocular and appropriate.
" The King of Arragon's Lament is in Mrs. He-
man's best style ; it is in truth it sweet poem.
" Old Pictures" is a judicious criticis.ui on some
paintings, by an old master; among others, there is
an admirable account of Murillo's famous " Spanish
Courtesan," it is the criticism of one who feels the
full force and value of his subject. On the whole,
this number, as it is light, is better than most of its
predecessors.
•

THE MONTHLY REVIEW.
Our notices of the Magazines must this month
be unusually brief; space and tirse alike preventing
detailed criticism. We may, however, observe with
regard to the present Monthly that it is a good one,
with much intelligence and variety. The first
Review on Therrv's Edition of Canning's Speeches,
is the best, and does justice to an intellivnt book ;
the following observations with regard to Mr.- Can-
ning are striking and pertinent :
It is a striking characteristic of the elevated spirit of 11 lc
eloquence, that there is scarcely one occasion of its display
that does not unfold some great maxim of public morality,
some great suggestion of honourable policy; and it is this
circumstance which will render his speeches—like those of
Burke—apart from strict questions of temporary, or even
historical, interest—enduring records of political wisdom.
This philosophical enlargement of his views was, indeed,
regarded with suspicion by narrow and grovelling minds;
as if it had been inconsistent with skill in the practical
details of gevernroent and finance. But happily for his
fame he has left, at least, one monument of his power of
successful application to the most dry and perplexing ques-
tions of political economy; sod his celebrated speech, in
this collection, on the Bullion Committee, in 1811, re-
mains a model in its kind, sots lucid statement and perspi,
cum's reasoning. To this effort, on a subject foreign to his
nsual pursuits, there can be no doubt be was prompted by
the ambition of proving an ability, like that of Pitt, for
dealing with the most intricate matters of finance; and it
is a just estimate of the speech before us, as well as the
highest eulogy that can be passed upon it, that it " con-
tains all that has ever been urged with success in Parlia-
ment, on the side of the bullionists, stated in the best man-
ner, and recommended by all the captivating attractions of
polished style, and copious and cogent illustration."
The nice and jealous ears of personal honour, which
breathes through Mr. Canning's speeches, was another and
not the least attractive auxiliary of his eloquer4ce ; and
though he sometimes pusked this feeling to the culpable.
extreme of irritability, there can be no doubt that the quick
sensitiveness which kindled at the slightest breath ,:f insult,
quelled the voice of insolence and malice, and inspired re-
spect and affection in;better minds. In himself, this feel-
ing lit up his eloquence into the most brilliant animation,
whenever a came arose that seemed to reflect on his indi-
vidual conduct, or in which the consideration of his ho-
nour as a gentleman, could by possibility be implicatcel.'
" Memoirs of the Duke of Rovigo" is a trite
dissertation on a trite subject ; it is alse lengthy.
" Poems on Italy" barely do justice to Mr. Rogers'
late velume on that subject ; though we do not agree
with a late critic in the Times that this gentleman
possesses power, yet he is assuredly not without
elegance.