The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-16
From the London Afhen0um.
Lord Jeffrey.

Francis Jeffrey, editor Of the Edinburgh Revie,c
and "one Of the judges of the court Of session in
Scotland" died at his seat called Craigcrook,
Edinburgh, on Saturday the Goth of January, in his
nth year. His judicial appointment gave him
what in Scotland is called the paper title' OF a
lord--in other words, title by courtesy, one not
recognised by the beralds. nor comforting any die
tinction his issue. but restricted 10 himself He
will, however, be best remembered by his early
name Of Mr.. Jcffrey--or Lord Campbell would
have written, plain Francis Jeffrey.
Thirty years ago-or even forty-the death Of
Mr.. Jeffrey would have been much more import
ant subject for comment and conversation than IL
is now in ripe old age. No critic ever flled-for
world Of letters than MIR. Jeffrey filled uninter-
ruptedy for sevenand- twenty years in the litera-
ture Of the nineteenth century. Whenever the
history Of English literature shall be written, his
name must always find place: less prominent, IL
IL true than that which he occupied in his lifetime,
but still one OF dstinction-not much from the
intrinsic value Of his contributions as from the
particular influence which bis writings exercised
the public mind, and on the destinies for time,
Of some OF our greatest poets.
The history Of his life may be briefly told. lie
the eldest son OF George Jeffrey, esq, ono Of
daughter Of a Mr.. Loudoun, Of Lanarkshre, and
was born in Edinburgh the 23d Of October, l773.
He educated at the high school Of his native
city and at Glasgow University, but completed bis
university education at Queens College, Oxford.
In 1894 he was called the BAR where he soon be-
came distinguished for the vigor Of his cloqucnce
and the wit and boldness of his invcctive. Hc at
tended debating clubs, spoke with readiness and
knowledge, and, with other introduction than his
talents, formed the acquaintance at the Specu-
lative Society of Sir Walter Scott then young man
busy with his "Minstrclsy % and of the Rev. Sydney
Smith and Lord Brougbam, both ardent for distinc-
ton in the church and at the bar Acquaintance
ship soon ripcned into intimacy; and at a late sup
per after debate at the Speculative Society the
EH'nbws Rerisw projected by Smith, and APP
proved Of by Jeffrey and Lord Brougham Assist
ants soon found; and in October, 1902, appeared
the first number Of tho periodical under the
editorial care Of the Rev Sydney Smith, its original
protector, rs he is called by Lord Jeffrey, " and
ong," he adds, " its brightest ornament"
The success Of the new Revie,1 was beyond the
expectation Of its founders-and, after a few num-
ers, beyond all precedent in publications OF a
rnilar nature. Nor is this TO be wondered at when
look at the character and variety Of its articles
I'd contrast its vigor and wit with the tame pro-
lotions Of any publication then at all approach
z IL i'm matter or in manner. The new Revierc
attained the views and thoughts, most fcarlessly
pressed, Of young and vigorous set Of thinkers
some Of the most important subjects Of the day
Injected with politics, religion, Jurisprudence
literature. The writers flew at all kinds OF
ae-nor was IL difficult 70 see from the first
,at was indeed obvious ailerwards) that the
hes Of the Wing school gave turn and color
he whole character Of the Rsvisto. "The Re
4" said Jeffrey, ''has but two legs TO stand on:
kture, no doubt, IL Of them but its right
10 politics"
sydney Smith was the editor Of the fret three