Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-10-27
PROVIDENCE.
SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. M. p.

| This distinguished member Of the British
Parliament, has for 4 number Of years been
most nsoicaously before the world. and his
parliamentary life is familiar to most of our
readers. But Notwithstanding he is well
known to Americans and has ever been re-
garded BY them, as friend to universal lber-
ty, it is probable, that a sketch Of his private
history may be acceptable to our patrons, and
we take pleasure in atiording ole which is ex-
tracted from the writings of popular Ameri-
can author.
"This individual. who has acquired so high
| a reputation as the friend of the people, was
educated at tWestminstor-School. His life has
not been very cventful, but he has rendered il
remarkable by his cloquence, lbcrality and
| popular talents. As public favorite, he pos
sesses the union Of great wealth and cul-
| tivated intellect. Previous to 1898, he had
made the tour Of France and Switzerland, and
at the first general election after his return,
was chosen member of Parliament for Borough
bridge. He carly displayed the peculiar bent
of his mind, and the political principles he had
| imbbed. He was in decided opposition to
William Pitt, and his feelings seemed to lean
together on the side Of the people. The first
| thing which brought him into notice, or which
contributed TO his fame, was his exposure Of
the abuses in the Cold Bath Fields Prison, un-
der Governor Aris. In 1902, he was a candi-
date for Middescx, and was returned second.
In the next contest he was elected; but he
continued only few months, in consequence
Of q change Of minister's In 1906, he declined
| tho contest, but received one thousand
plumpers, without solicitation or expense. In
1867, he stood for Westminster, with anoth-
er candidate, Mr.. PAUL, who had calculated
on the interest Of Sir Francis, without consult
ing him. A dael was the result, in which both
| were severely wounded; but Sir Francis sue
| ceeded in the election without any expense
| From that period, he has remained the favor
ite member from Westminster. His warmth Of
feeling and language has occasionally brought
| him into some difficulties He was once COM
mitted TO the Tower, and once TO the Kings
Bench, for two letters which he wrote 10 his
constituents.
| The person Of Sir F. Burdett is said to be
very fine, and his department gentlcmanly and
! imposing. He is a severe and elegant scholar;
and his knowledge is extensive and various
In all his speeches and addresses, he manifcsts
an utter contempt Of official station, and the
most ardent patriotism. As speaker, he dis
covers a great deal Of good sense, fine taste,
and knowledge of mankind. His address
| es on the hustings dihor essentially from his
| speeches in Parliament. On the former, his
language approxmatcs almost to vulgarity-
his figures arc loose and homcly-his ilustra-
tons broad and inelegant-his assertions posi-
tive-and his arguments unconncctcd. In the
latter, he seems to be entirely changcd-his
style becomes more refined and polished-his
reasoning more close and Iogical-hIs illustra-
tons more appropriate and happy, and his gem
cral manner more elegant and imposing In
both situations, says the author Of Babylon the
Great, he appears a man, and an English
man; but on the hustings he appears as an
Englishman, with many Of the preJudices of
those who feel but do not think; while in the
House, his thoughts and his feelings are in such
| admirable keeping, that he is the very model
of independent men and captivating speakers
One Of his b ogra pliers. G. Smeaton, concludes
his sketch of him in the following words He
| is incomparably the ablest and most accom-
plsled Of country gentlemen the wealthiest
fpublic speakers, and the most indolent Of
men,
Sir Francis Burde,t, is remotely allied to a
family Of this town. one Of his brothers having
married here, soon after the close Of the Re-
voluton. SIR Francis, has always been distin-
gu shed for his boldness and determined re al in
whatever he undertakes; and it is sometimes
the case, that he suffers his zeal TO mislead his
discretion. His opposition to Mr. Pitt, was OF
the most violent and rancorous nature, and
probably had its origin more in envy than rea-
son. He is highly useful member of Parlia-
ment, and as he has ever been enlisted on the
side Of the people. we hope that whilst he
lives, he will retain a scat in the deliberate
councils of the British nation.