The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-11-06
FOREIGN SKETCHES.
MEN AND MANNERS.

VIC CONTINUE the shetcnes Vi SOME Vi the us
tlnguished statesmen and orators Of Great Bri-
tain, begun in our last paper. The writer, it
will be remembered, is describing these person
ages as they appeared at the dinner given to
Earl Grey, in Edinburgh
LORD BRoUGHAM AND LORD DURHAM.
What capital fellows these Scotchmen are
over their wine The enviable distinction Of
being three bottle men may yet be given, with
out any rash Partially, TO many of the old advo-
Gates, and some of the young ones appeared on
this occasion to be no unworthy disciples of the
same school After Brougham's speech, moved
down towards the bottom Of the table, where
was knot of young barristers strongly tinctured
with Radcalism, who were hauling the Chan
cellor over the Goals with an energy and vehe-
mence considerably increased by the inspiration
which they were drawing from reinforcement
of claret they had just received. ] was welcom-
ed among them with subdued "gufdD," and
during an interval Of dulness in the proceedings
of the assembly, in which some two or three
country gentlemen, and baillies prosed away for
half an hour, l derived good deal Of entertain
mentfrom these dashing young fellows. Several
of them become almost savage in their abuse of
Brougham, for having dared to criticise the Ra-
ideals in such terms and hints were thrown out
that the charge of Impotence and rashness,
which every body seemed to think was meant
for Lord Durham, would be so keenly felt by that
nobleman, as TO induce him to take some notice
of the attack. Nothing indeed could be more
contemptuous than the language and manner of
Brougham, when abiding to the course of the
Radicals. He ridiculed them as men honest
enough, but Of no reflection at al-who, in ira
yelling towards their object, were SO impatient
to set out, that they would not wait to put the
lin oh tnfn fho Vrrhp hp RI m
voyage of discovery to unknown regions, with
out ascertaining whether compass was on
board, and when they should see the port in
view, would not delay five minutes to go round
to it, but dash in among the breakers, or run the
vessel ashore,--and thus he proceeded for a
quarter Of an hour, amidst cheers and loud laugh
Ter, nbove which there was heard an occasional
MSS, sneering at their honesty, and calling up
the most iudicrous images, and applying them to
much certainty and directness Of aim, that they
could not fail to reach the quarter in which Il
was evident he meant they should be felt. At
last he terminated whole volley of sarcasms,
by folding his arms, and with look of utter con-
tempt, and scornful bending of his body, de-
claring he made his profound obeisance to these
honest hasty spirits, but did not think proper to
accompany them in their mad career. The
stroke fell heavily-it was the blow Of an intel
lectual giant-but as the result proved, this reck
less and uncalled for exhibition of his power,
was far more fatal to Brougham himself, than to
the victim he intended to immediate. Had he
reflected moment, he must have known that he
would certainly array the prejudices Of great
portion of his auditors against him, and strength
en- their sympathles in favor of Lord Durham.
And nothing ever heard more strongly Illus
trates the intrepidiy, and instructive conscious
ness Of power, which belong to this extraordi
nary mans character, than his daring to give
hiatt Ia - pru1sD ~ haro IN fba
field of his strength. Every one seemed to APP
prehend that the collision, if it should occur,
would be tremendous and while many hoped
that Durham would allow the imputation to pass
unheeded-the majority wished that he would
enter the lists against the Chancellor. l saw
the storm gathering upon his proud dark coun-
tenance. An opportunity soon occurred to make
his reply.
The Croupier, (the Lord Advocate, and mem
Der for Leith, MI. John Archibald Murray arose;
and after number of graceful compliments, pro-
posed the health of Lord Durham and the Re
formers of England Murray is an admirable
off-hand speaker. He is a rather tall stout man,
with round good humored countenance some
what too fat for the expression of high intellect,
but vet full of sagacity and acuteness, and in
his keen quick eye, there is that geesome twin
kle that marks the bon-UiUdnt. His declama-
ton is remarkably distinct and impressive, his
voice being strong and sonorous, and his ges-
lures full Of manly grace and beauty The
sweep of his arm reminded me of Professor Will
son-though / must say that of the illustrous
Christopher Nor,h's is superior. The air with
which that parsonage takes off his hat to you in
the street is quite magnificent.
The eulogium Of the Lord Advocate upon the
character Of Durham was very eloquent, and
what is more, was entirely true. 1t was receiv-
ed with universal reclamation As the star OF
Earl Durham, formerly Mr. Lambton, is now in
the ascendant, and he will undoubtedly, if his
health shall permit him to encounter the trials of
office, be the principal conductor of the political
affairs of this country at no distant day, will
be particular in my account OF him. His figure
is Of the middle height, firm, and well proper
tioned,-his complexion sallow, and indicative
Of i'll health--hs features rather handsome and
full of character,-and when he speaks, they
powerfully aid by their consonancy and express
sveness, the face of his thoughts and sentiments.
As speaker he is more than ordinarily lucid,
possessing apparently penetration which finds
nothing dark to itself, and power and tack in
illustration which leaves nothing unexplained TO
others. His eloquence has evidently not been
fashioned after the classical standards, and is not
remarkable for finish and chasteness nor is he
regarded in the House of Lords, where indeed
he seldom speaks, as practsed orator or
skilful debater; but there is a strength, for
ward simplicity, and sound-headedness, if may
use the expression, in all he says which know
not was ever surpassed; and which impresses
you with the belief that the man knows what he
is about--that his hear. is engaged in the cause
he has espoused, and that neither power, nor
wealth, nor any other consideration will make
him turn from the cause he has made up his
mind is right His bearing is what is termed
aristocratica and the tories say that the greatest
demagogue in England is also the proudest aris-
tocrat. | saw nothing, however, beyond that
elevated department which becomes ugh
spirited gentleman.
The father of this distinguished person was
celebrated for his exertions on the side of popu-
lar rights, and in 1892 sat as president of the