THE DEATH OF MR. COBDEN.

Evening Post, Issue 137, 17 July 1865, Page 2

THE DEATH OF MR. COBDEN.

The scene in the House of Commons on the night of April 3 was painful rather than gratifying, for the speakers there, except Mr. Bright, were professional

eulogisers. It was a "right thing to do" this lauding the dead statesman, and therefore they did it. It was not Lord Palmerston's intention at first to say a word, but lie was urged to consent to the adjournment of the House, and, as he could not do this because the Government wanted some votes in supply, he compromised by giving, instead of an adjournment, a speech ; and this being settled, a note was despatched to Mr. Disraeli to inform him of the arrangement, that he too, if he felt inclined, might contribute his meed of eulogy of the deceased statesman. This was, then, no burst of grief, no spontaneous expression of sorrow, but a thing got up. Lord Palmerston rose to perform his stipulated task at a quarter to five, and as he rose the House at once hushed into profound silence and attention. Of his lordship's speech little need be said, as all our readers will have seen and read it. The noble lord did his work, on the whole, neatly enough, and [this is all that can be said in his praise. lie was not inspired. There was little or no warmth in it. Mr. Disraeli's speech was far the most impressive of the two. His manner was more solemn, his thoughts more appropriate, bis estimate, of the great statesman more just. And how solemn the House was whilst Mr. Disraeli was speaking! There was silence that might be felt. The attention was rapt. Every man seemed to be holding his breath lest his struggling emotions should break fo th into expression and disturb the speaker. And when the orator told us that the deceased statesman had joined that great band of members who, though not present in the bOvty, are still here, &c, there burst forth from many parts of the House deep sighs and low but unusually expressive murmurs of applause. That was a beautiful figure of Disraeli's; nothing more beautiful was ever presented to the House. It was borrowed, but it was none the less beautiful because St. Paul used it before. Of Mr. Bright's speech a word need not be said. It is a speech to be read, and felt, and not to be talked about. When Mr. | Bright sat down, Sir Morton Peto rose. For a moment the members listened, thinking that possibly he was going to say something about Mr. Cobden; but when the words "Board of Admiralty" fell upon their ears, up rose the crowd. Yes ; it was all over. The drama had been performed; and that crowd,lately so solemn and silent, was now rushing out, gabbling and cackling as if nothing had happened. — Home News.