Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-04-16
NJ 7 S OLE u u A ~ & o
LORD JOHN RUSSELL.
BY AN AMERICAN YIN ENGLAND.

BY AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND.
Opposite Sir Rober. Peel, on the first bench,
of what's known as the opposition side Of the
House of Commons, sits little man with his
arms folded, and hat drawn down over his
ears and eye brows, looking as if he were taxi
ing quiet nap TO himself This is LORD
JOHN RUSSELL, the acknowledged '.leader of
the opposition" He belongs to one of the
ablest and most respectable families in Eng
land. His eldest brother is the present Duke
Of Bedford. The blood Of the Russells has
time and oft consecrated deeds Of glory and
renown, and is regarded on all hands among
the best of the Kingdom-high toned, and hon
orabe. Although in debate Lord John Rus
sell is no match for Sir Robert Peel, yet it is
evident the latter regards him as no small an
tagonst His manner is quiet and courteous
but his tone Of voice and delivery far from a.
greeable. He parIakes largely of the English
popularity, hesitation and repetition of words.
Generally speaking, small sized men are apt
to be quick. sharp and ''spunky" in manner.
Lord John Russell, on the contrary, is slow,
and has species of nasal and whining lone
and measure. The expression of his face is
decidedly intellectual, and he enjoys consid-
cradle reputation for talent and ability but I
incline 10 think that he owes much TO the fact
OF having good blood in him, powerful con-
nections and influence, and a reputation,
which his own conduct and department Sc
cures; being high-mnded, courteous gen.
tleman. He does not speak often-and seems
to reserve himself for occasions of interest; ;
and being regarded as very honest and sin
cere man, his remarks gain much attention,
nj Iy n L..
site to him. Sir Robert particularly is seldom
seen directing his eye and ear from Lord
john whilst the latter is speaking. And in
reply 10 him, so frequently repeats the title of
''ihe Noble Lord" and touches all he says in
such courteous language, as to give constant
assurance that he holds him in the highest re-
spect. This may be deep policy; for whilst
a stranger like myself can't fail to see as much
mental superiority OH the part Of Sir Robert
as physical ability-0o Lord John Russell is
comparatively a feeble man in body)-he is
led to believe that Sir Robert has an object in
seeming to regard his antagonist asa man of
extraordinary power, rreferring TO have man
at "the head of the opposition" who he can
on all necessary occasions crush or render
powerless.
1t is not deprecating Lord John Russell to
mark him down as inferior to Sir Robert Peel
IT they were to change benches, perhaps the
contrast would not be so striking. A high
minded man, as Lord John Russell evidently
is-unwiling as he seems to be to cavil or
take advantage Of every small loopbole to at
tack Ministers, and combining himself almost
exclusively to great measures and events. it is
not strange that he should fail of success a..
gainst an adroit Minister who on all occasions
comes prepared 10 defend every point with a
power and skill peculiar to himself
On some occasions, have seen Lord John
rise, under great advantages, and take posi-
ton decidedly popular, and against which Sir
Robert would not hazard defence. What
then would be the course adopted in reply by
the Right Honorable Baronet9' He would
rise and, approaching the table with his hat
IN his hand, pour out torrent Of eDcomiums
on "the Noble Lord" that any common mind
would stagger under with intoxicaloD Of de-
light. Would show clearly that such mea-
sure, such course of conduct as was now adj
vocated by the IN obe Lord" was precisely
such as 'ber Majesty's Ministers" had in view,
and would at The right time make manifest
And then would follow, shear, hear, hear"
from the entire opposition circle. And thus
whatever Of success or advantage Lord John
and his party looked for, would be transferred
bodily over to the other side of the tables.
Lord John Russell must be an agreeable
antagonist to the Ministry, for there is moth
ing small or cunning in his course of attack.
" ms desire is to reach the Treasury bench,
ne ooes MOI incline to get there through small
or crooked channels, but would wait for
vide and open way. lie will enter by an