Aldis, who has kindly communicated it for publication in the present work:-"Soon a slender, modest, young gentleman came, who soon surprised me by his intelligence and thoughtfulness. I took his arm on the way to the meeting, and I thought he seemed nervous. I think it was his first public speech, at all events in such connection. It was very eloquent and powerful, and carried away the meeting; but it was elaborate and memoriter. On our way back, as I congratulated him, he said that such efforts cost him too dear, and asked me how I spoke so easily. I then took the full advantage of my seniority to set fully my notions, which I need not repeat here except this: that in his case, as in most, I thought it would be best not to burden the memory too much, but having carefully prepared and committed any portions when special effect was desired, merely to put down other things in the desired order, leaving the wording of them to the moment. Years rolled away. I had entirely forgotten the name of the young Friend,' when the Free Trade Bazaar was held in London. One of those engaged for itMr. Baker, of Stockport-calling on me, asked if I had called on Mr. Bright. I said I had not been able to attend the meetings, and did not personally know him at all. He replied, 'You must, for I heard him say that you gave him his first lesson in public speaking.' I went to a subsequent meeting, and recognised the young Friend' of 1832."

There is no doubt that Mr. Bright possessed natural powers of oratory that required very little training, for with the greatest ease, in the course of a short time, he could keep assemblies of men entranced by the charms of eloquence. His arguments were practical, and made what was merely a commonplace duty appear as a glorious and elevating work; they touched the hearts of his hearers as religion or poetry would touch them, and his flight of oratory, rising to a climax, would end with a choice sentence, giving it all the beauty of a full-blown

rose.

Fortitude, justice, and self-devotion have found their adequate expression in his labours. His sentiments uniformly tended to improve human nature and to humble human pride; no one could mistake his sincerity, and, although fearless, he was as gentle as a child. He possessed nearly all the qualifications that Cicero lays down as absolutely necessary for orator. "The orator," says that incomparable master of the art he teaches, "besides an elevation of the mind, solidity of judgment, an excursiveness of imagination, and an intimate acquaintance with science and literature, must have a clear

an

1833.1

SIGNS OF GREATNESS.

55

and distinct voice, an attractive countenance, a neat and animated delivery, a strength of lungs, and a conformation of figure, which is calculated to give authority to everything he utters." Many of these qualities were conspicuous in the

hero of our narrative.

Early in life he adopted the Shakspearian motto, "Be just and fear not," as his guide, and we all know how closely he has followed its teaching. The course of his life, too, shows that he also acted on the further advice of Wolsey, and that all his aims have been the aims of his country, his God, and of the truth.

In December, 1833, Mr. J. S. Buckingham, who at that time represented the town of Sheffield in Parliament, delivered a course of lectures in the old theatre in Toad Lane, Rochdale, on "Palestine and Egypt." On the evening of the last lecture, when Mr. Buckingham resumed his seat, Mr. John Bright, finding that no other gentleman rose to propose a vote of thanks, stood up and delivered the following speech, in which may be traced the unfoldings of his future greatness, and which shadows forth the intervening gradations by which he mounted to eminence. In the early part of it he showed signs of great nervousness, but as he proceeded he gained confidence, and astonished his fellow-townsmen by his graphic and interesting survey of the scenes traversed by the lecturer.

"For the last five or six evenings," said Mr. Bright, "we have listened with intense and increasing delight to the eloquent addresses of the gentleman, the sound of whose voice still lingers in our ears, and before this numerous assembly separates I think there is one thing which remains to be done; and though I am convinced it would have been better had some one older than myself undertaken to do it, still as there seemed no disposition on the part of those who surrounded me to mention it, I have presumed to bring it under your notice. Under the able guidance of an experienced traveller we have visited the classical land of Egypt, the wonders of her splendid cities have been investigated, the tombs of her Pharaohs and of their subjects have been explored. We have even ascended the giant pyramid, and from its summit have surveyed in imagination the splendid prospect so beautifully, so poetically described to us-the glorious sun rising in the east proclaiming the approach of day, the silvery moon sinking in the pathless waste of sand, as if unable or unwilling to compare with his superior brilliancy. We have traversed the barren sands of Arabia, and have, as it were, feasted our eyes upon the beauties of the oases of the desert. We have admired the nobleness of soul which so eminently characterises the wandering tribes, and have paid our tribute of respect to that spirit of independence whose fire burns in their breasts as brightly now as in ages long gone by. We have heard with feelings of solemnity and of unspeakable interest the animated description of the present condition of Palestine; we have viewed with astonishment the lofty cedar of Lebanon, the witness of a thousand years, and the unvarying fertility of Mount Hermon; we have trod the calm and peaceful retreats of the Mount of Olives, and have perambulated the streets of Jerusalem, the most renowned city on the face of the earth, and as we gazed on Calvary the recollection of the momentous transactions with which it will ever be associated awakened in us feelings which it would be vain for me to attempt to describe. From the summit of a neighbouring hill we have beheld Damascus in all its beauty, its fertile plain, its broad streams, its glittering minarets, its lofty

domes, almost realising to the fancy the existence of a paradise upon earth. Again we have wandered at leisure along the banks of those majestic, those magnificent streams, the Tigris and the Euphrates, and have felt sad at beholding the complete desolation of Nineveh and Babylon. We have journeyed on to Bagdad, a city whose very name is synonymous with splendour; we have admired the vastness and simplicity of its mosques, the variety of its caravansaries, the splendour of its baths, the extent of its bazaars, and I doubt not we have received impressions in some degree favourable as to the manners and customs of Eastern life. This evening we have penetrated into that grand country situated between the Indus and the Ganges, that land which our imagination has pictured as ever teeming with wealth,

Where, from fountains ever flowing,
Indian realms their treasures pour.

We have seen how that wealth may be rendered available to England, and how the blessings of civilization and Christianity may be spread abroad in that vast empire. We have also had a clear view of that which to this country is most important of all-the immense field which there exists for the extension of British commerce and for the consumption of British manufactures. I say, then, that for the instruction and delight we have received, our best thanks are due to the honourable gentleman, and I am sure that the sentiments will be responded to by every person now present, and that a forest of hands will attest the unanimity of feeling on this subject. I shall therefore conclude by moving that the warm thanks of this meeting be presented to J. S. Buckingham, Esq., for his kindness in coming amongst us, and that we tender him the assurance of our best wishes for his future prosperity and happiness."

The whole assembly applauded enthusiastically, for such command of language and descriptive powers in so young a man had taken them by surprise. Even Mr. Buckingham was so impressed that he said privately to Mr. James Ecroyd, a townsman, who had taken a leading part in arranging for the lectures, " "Mark my words, if that young man lives, he will become one of the greatest orators in England." How truly this prophecy has been realised all the world knows.

At this time he was only twenty-two years of age, but most men who have become eminent have shown signs of masterly intellect early in life, though not often in boyhood. For instance, Hume wrote his Treatise on Human Nature while he was yet quite a young man. Sir Isaac Newton was not twenty when he saw the apple fall to the ground. Harvey described the circulation of the blood at eighteen. Berkeley was only six-andtwenty when he published his Essay on Vision. Hartley's great principle was developed in an inaugural dissertation at College. Hobbes put forth his metaphysical system very soon after he quitted the service of Lord Bacon. Galileo, Leibnitz, and Euler commenced their career of discovery quite young.

Up to the year 1833 Mr. Bright was a member of the Rochdale Cricket Club, and took a prominent part in its matches. He played twelve games during the year, and was considered an average cricketer. Batting was his special part. His attention becoming absorbed in politics about that year, he played cricket only a few times afterwards, giving up the "willow," which

1833.]

ARGUING.

57

he had handled with moderate skill, for the purpose of devoting his attention and great powers of mind to matters of worldwide importance and utility, and not many years after he began to give utterance to "thoughts that breathe and words that burn.'

It is a trite saying that practice makes perfect, and truth cannot be found without some labour and concentration of mind. Now, Mr. Bright, in order to improve his debating powers, and at the same time glean information, chose an old Radical named Charles Howarth, one of his father's workmen, who resided at Great Howarth, to operate upon, in the office of whetstone. As the machinery was clanking away these two would argue various topics. The young man stated his propositions clearly and coolly, the old man combated them until he frequently worked himself into a rage, and in the end was thoroughly worsted. It was by this practice, in conjunction with the intelligent veteran Radical we have named, that Mr. Bright sharpened his debating powers.

Although on many occasions the discussion waxed warm, and ended in defeat on the one side and triumph on the other, both disputants were gainers. The old man was often presented with a welcome silver crown of the realm as a salve for his wounded feelings and discomfiture, and that the young orator certainly improved by these exercises there can be no reason to doubt.

"Some the swift-gliding shuttle throw,

While some of genius more refined

With head and tongue assist mankind."

If there be any person who can equal a sailor in telling a yarn" it certainly is an old soldier, and perhaps with a greater degree of truth in the narration. An old man, named John Hill, who had been a soldier for twenty-eight years, was in his autumnal days employed by Mr. Jacob Bright. He was a man who had received a fair education, was intelligent, had undergone a great deal of hardship, had taken part in several battles, and his life had been somewhat adventurous. Mr. Bright was often to be seen listening by the hour to the descriptions of the privations in the life of a soldier, and of heart-rending scenes on the battlefield, which were set forth with the animation of an Othello; and often the old veteran

"Wept o'er his wounds or tales of sorrow done,

Shouldered his crutch and showed how fields were won."

This might seem unworthy of notice, but no doubt it had its effect on the mind of the future statesman, who has all through his public career been an advocate for peace.

CHAPTER VI.

INCREASING INTEREST IN SOCIAL AND POLITICAL MATTERS.

The Reform Agitation-First Scheme of Reform Proposed-It is AbandonedIndignation throughout the Country-Ultimate Triumph of the People-Mr. Bright goes to London for the First Time-His Sympathy for Ireland-The Rochdale Literary and Philosophical Society-Travels.

TRAINED in the factory to intelligent labour Mr. Bright learnt by steady application not only the processes of manufacture, but also the art of directing and governing the great numbers of persons there employed, and in the exercise of his daily duties he showed a high degree of energy, readiness, and versatility. He attended the Manchester market regularly, and was considered a first-class salesman. But he took a longer time to pay the workpeople than any other person who used to attend to this department. It was, however, owing to his making inquiry into what accommodation they had in their houses, and gleaning other information concerning their domestic arrangements. To Mr. Samuel Tweedale, the manager, on one occasion he said that some of the workpeople had only one bed-room, and such a state of things must be altered if it was possible. Accordingly Mr. Bright had a fine row of cottages erected, which consisted of two bed-rooms, with two good-sized rooms downstairs, and a cellar and garden. These cottages were called "Mizzy Buildings" (the name of an old farmhouse that had once stood on the estate), and it is easily inferred from these facts that his desire was to raise the condition of the poor, "to make men happy and to keep them so."

It has been a habit of Mr. Bright's, through life, to gain knowledge on particular topics from reliable sources, and often from men specially employed in different occupations, preferring practical knowledge to theoretical, and thus he has been enabled to make himself master of any subject by personal observation, of all matters affecting the welfare of the poorer classes.

When John Bright had arrived at the age of twenty the Reform Agitation was at its height, and he watched it with an interest far beyond his years. The adjustment of the inequalities of the system of representation had been delayed