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

ton, but without pusillanlmity, the privileges
of his expressed countrymen.
His speech on the present occasion was ex-
actly in accordance with his frank and manly
character. 1t was, emphatically, plain unvar-
nished speaking-and in every respect the oppo-
site Of rhetorical sophistry. Every word told.
Many, no doubt, differed from him in opinion
but every candid person must have admired the
honest, sincere, and uncompromising manner in
which he promulgated his sentiments. Nothing
could be more bold and decided than the tone in
which he referred to the Chancellor's remarks
which all present had construed as having per-
sona allusion to himself and his fine free spirit
ed exclamation that he did see wih regret,
epery hour that passed orer the existence Of
acknowledged, get UNIFORMED abuses, called
down the most rapturous applause. The field
was now his own He saw his advantage, and
improved it; and during the rest of his speech,
showed what he could do with those weapons of
sarcasm and denunciation, which had just been
turned against himself, while he protested against
the compromise of wing principles, and clapping,
and pairing, and mutiating measures of reform
for the sake Of conciliating the tories.
MR.. ABERcRoMBy.
The next person toasted was Mr.. Abercromby,
the Master Of the Mint, and one OF the members
for Edinburgh l saw him rise, with pleasure
for my acquaintance with him in private had
impressed me with high notion Of his talents
and character. He is the second son of the dis
tinguished general, Sir Ralph Abercromby and
brother of the present Lord. He is speaker Of
great weight and clearness and the gravity Of
his appearance and department, united with his
extensive knowledge, and great parliamentary
experience, gives him influence in the House Of
Commons, which many men of far more com
handing abilities, find il impossible to acquire
SIR JOHN CAMPBELL.
Sir John Campbell, the Attorney General of
England, next presented himsef-the very mo-
del of man who had been engaged all his life
with points of practice "a cold-ooking, hardy,
rough-hewn Scotchman, with
IA cheek of parchment and an eye ofstone."
The history of this learned knight affords the
most striking illustration Of the triumph Of indus
try over every obstacle. Possessed of but
moderate talents, Of only an ordinary education,
and no fortune al all for he is son Of one Of the
hardy wrought and poory-pai cergymen Of
Scotland; he has made himself the leader of the
English bar, by that frugaty, labor, and indomi-
table perseverance in single pursuit, which cha
by reporting the Parliamentary debates for the
Morning Chronicle; and while engaged in the
humble drudgery incident to this situation, en-
tered himself Of Lincons Inn, and after four
years of patientand vigorous application, "scorn-
ing delights and living laborious days." he was
called to the bar. For fourteen or fifteen years
he "plodded his weary way" to independence
and distinction; until, by his profound know
ledge of law, and careful attention to every
case placed in his hands, he acquired practice
surpassed by few of his professional brethren.
| He is now acknowledged TO be, at least, the
second best common lawyer in England. AS
an advocate, he is far below mediocrity-his
language is common-place-his voice dull and
inexpressive-and his thoughts altogether with
vTcrn he
with the ambition of being an orator-and, on
this occasion, attempted to make set speech /;
but it was exceedingly heavy and stupid, and, as
he moved sluggishly on, the auditory began to
entertain themselves in other ways, so that the
latter part of the learned knights Grafton was
really ga soliloquy in crowd" We were soon
aroused from our lstlessness, however, by the
voice of Lord Brougham again sounding through
| the pavilion. With the captivating and impress
sive eloquence he can so readily assume, he pro-
posed the healths Of two distinguished foreign
ers, Mr.. Arrago and Count Flahault, the former
distinguished French philosopher, and the lat
ter an officer of much note. Their speeches
were most excellent. The former spoke in his
native language, and, among other things, said,
what struck him most forcibly was to see the
Lord Chancellor of England apoogizing to the
British Association for having attended only one
of its sittings, and that, though arrived at the
first career was study, and his earliest claim of
glory was founded on scientific papers Count
Flahault spoke in English, and, with so much
propriety and accuracy, that you would not have
taken him for foreigner. He is a notebook
ing man. of the most polished and conciliating
address. He is now the husband of lady Keith,
and may be regarded as an adopted Scotchman.
Sir John Cam Hobhouse and Mr.. Edward
Ellice, both members Of the Melbourne admins
traton, were then called for successfully.
They both appeared to think it necessary, after
what had taken place between Durham and
Brougham, to give some assurance to the meet
ing that the tide of improvement was not to be
arrested and that their colleagues and them
selves were determined to promote the diffusion
of liberal opinions, and introduce more extensive
reforms was much interested in Hobhouse
owing to his connection with Byron. He is
more petit in appearance than looked for-be
ing much below the middle height-but well
formed, and inclined to stoutness. His head is
fine one-and in all his movements there is
spirit and energy. He speaks with fluency and
force, and, on this occasion, though the time was
"ayont the twal," he sustained our attention to
the last.
My letter is growing long, and have no room
to tell you Of our joyous breaking up" Lord
Grey and his suite retreated about halfpast
twelve A Scotch baronet, celebrated for his
convivial qualities, was then placed in the chair
speeches were made-songs were sung-and
toasts were drunk in rapid succession. And
about two o'clock in the morning returned TO
rest, and to dream of the glorious " Grey Din
ner."
Mr. Abercromby afterwards elevated to the
distinguished office Of Speaker of the House of Com
mons.
MAxlMs OF BIsHop ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS