Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-05-03
MR.. CANNING.

lion, in six Volumes OF the Speeches OF Mr.
Canning: with Memoir Of his Life, written
by r. Therry, Esq. of Gray's Inn, Barrlster at
Law This work was undertaken with the
sanction of Mr. Canning, some time before that
lamented s'atesman's death. Most oil the
soeechcs which it contains were carefully res
yisrd by himself and the remainder have been
collected BY the Editor from the most approved
and authentic sources. Under such clrcum-
stances, the character OF thee volumes Is such,
that they mast Of course take distinguished
place in every library, among the hnes' records
of senatorial eloquence
Although, as Mr. Thcrry justly observes,
suficien, period of time has not elapsed since
the deccase Of Mr. Canning, 10 render his lille
suitable subject for the hioErapher, the Memoir
here presented 10 the public and which occu-
niss nearly half the first volume OF the work.
fully accom- plishes the obj with which II has
beer drawn up, namey,-"lo connect IN
brief narrative the leading events IN the poIu>
cal career Of MIR. Canuing-to mark the periods
Of his progressive advancements IN puhic hte;
and TO collect such facts aud circumstances
which may render this publication faithful
recordof the principles Of that liustrlous states
man, end OF the cloquenoe with winch those
,rioc;rres were euGorctd:" The commnnlca-
lions of some Of Mr.Carniug's surviving friends
occurrences in Mr.. Canning's lie more accn>
ra,elv than they have hitherto been described
of course, however, the greater part OF the
materials Of which he Memoir is composed
have been derived from all the available sourc-
es Of general information; but Mr.. ihsrry has
show, great industry and discrimination IN the
collection, ami great ability iH the arrangement
of those materials. Pursuing the whole OF 'his
extraordinary mans extraordinary career, from
the brilliant promise 16 f fbrsr yesrs down
trhe e fast painful moment " hen the 'sconcen,a,e
blaze ofinlellrCtual light" was so suddenly aud
sadly ex,inguishcd, Mr.. TEerry has produce \
narrative which cannot fail 10 be read with the
deepest interest by every admirer Of genius
OF the classical ele gance Of Mr. rhe:ry's
STYLE, we Cannot furnish more satisfactory
proof than by quo'ing The following PASSAGE
which occurs in his summary of Mr.. Canning's
public charaC,er:-
"Thus endowed rs statesman, MIR. Canning
was the most consummate orator Of his coun-
try and age. lie had cultivated eloquence as
liberal art--wirh the zeal Of student and
became one Of its classic masters. Some may
have exceeded him in particular qualities or
powers, but he possessed an assembagC of en-
dowmcnts and requirements, which left all ri
valry al distance. lie combined the free
movement, spirit, and reality Of British para-
rDenlarv debate, with the elaborate perfection
of the forum aud the agorG, and he accessory
accomplishments and gracCs If ancient and
modern literature. Chatham can re estimated
only by tradition, and his effects. in the absence
Of all genuine remains. He must have pos
seSsed iervour, fancy, superior reason, and
great popular effect; but he exercised an art
which h. had himself created, and in which he
had no rival Of The FIRST rank. His theauic de-
A
as,onished and frightened country gentlemen *
noble Lords, TO whom eloquence was novelty;
and talent alarming His dramatic appeal TO
the "f.owu;ng auce >tor" in the tapestry, ard his
pantomimic exhibition Of his cruz ch, would fall
powerless, or worse, on modern opposition.
Fox, with he impeIuous ardour Of liberty, hu-
manity, and his temperament; with the museu-
lar yigour OF his dialectics, simple unaoorned
yould be the FIRST orator in the assembly OF a
free people. Pitt with his high sounding am
Publications., lofty sarcasms, aud imposing man
ner, was supreme IN debating 10 drilled ma
jority, or subsprvient, council; and in imposing
his authority upon the common order OF minds
Burke has bequeathed the cioquence OF his me-
citations, aud the oraclcs Of his philosophy, TO
sages and to posrerity But give Canning 'su-
dience meet, the select representatives oi q
civilized, free people; men capable Of feeling
art; and he brought into the field an assem-
blage of qualities beyond all single rivalry. Fire
and Imagination, like Chatham, with a severer
judgment, and less artificial delivery; vigorous
dalectics, like Fox, with more wit aud fancy;
dignity OF manner, and measured declamalon,
like Pitt, with livier aud lighter tone Of plea
santry and sarcasm, much OF the philosophy Of
Burke with less prolixi,y, and more scrupu>
lous taste;--these are among the qualities
which determine Mr.. Cummings place in the
first order of orators.
"He had studied with quick and congenial
feeling those severe and eternal models the re-
mains Of ancient eloquence. His elegance of
expression was fastidious, without weakening
his force; his wit was not so deliberately con.
centra,rdly brilliant, as Sheridan's; but II was
more prompt, redundant, and disposable; and
il it may be said, more logical; whilst his RI
dicule, inimi,ably poignant, was ever govern"