ters, with respect to the war between the Empress of Russia and the Ottoman Porte, became the subject of parliamentary debate. Mr.WHITBREAD supported, on that occasion, by the whole strength of Opposition, brought forward the following mo

tions:

"Ist. That no arrangement, respecting Ockzakow and its district, appears to have been capable of affecting the political or commercial interests of this country, so as to justify any hostile interference on the part of Great Britain between Russia and the Porte.

"2d. That the interference of Great Britain, for the purpose of preventing the cession of the said fortress and its district to the Empress of Russia, has been wholly unsuccessful.

"3d. That his Majesty's ministers, in endeavouring, by means of an armed force, to compel the Empress of Russia to abandon her claim to Ockzakow and its district, and in continuing an armament, after the object for which it was proposed had been relinquished, have been guilty of gross misconduct, tending to incur unnecessary expenses, and to diminish the influence of the British nation in Europe."

Lord Hawkesbury, then Mr. Jenkinson, rose early in the debate, and, in his maiden speech, combated the resolutions with a force of argument and a perspicuity of language that evinced a profound knowledge of the question under consideration, and afforded favourable grounds to believe, that he would at some future period become a distinguished parliamentary speaker. He peculiarly called the attention of the House to the dangers which threatened Prussia from the progress of the Imperial arms, and displayed a correct idea of

the

the balance of power in conformity to the state of Europe, as it was then generally admitted, but which has since been so materially altered by those extraordinary vicissitudes, that baffle the projects of human wisdom and expose the vanity of assuming fixed principles in political calculation.

He was appointed one of the commissioners for India affairs on the 22d of June, 1793; and the activity with which he performed the duties of that important office, fully justified the choice of government. In May, 1794, he received his Majesty's commission to command the cavalry fencible corps of the Cinque Ports, with the rank of colonel in the army; and, in 1796, was re-elected for Rye. When Sir George Yonge was, in the beginning of the present year, promoted from the mastership of the Mint to the government of the Cape of Good Hope and its dependencies, Lord Hawkesbury was, without any solicitation in his favour, nominated to that employment, sworn of his Majesty's most honourable Privy-Council, and appointed one of the Lords of the Committee for Trade and foreign Plantations. His Lordship is married. to one of the daughters of the Earl of Bristol, bishop of Derry, in Ireland.

His claims to notice, as a public character, are of a substantial nature. His mind is stored with the most useful acquisitions; and, though capable of engaging with success in the pursuit of abstract knowledge, or in metaphysical disquisition, he has wisely applied his faculties to the cultivation of

that

that kind of information, the theory of which, being derived from experience, generally leads to unequivocal and permanent advantages.

In the principles of legislation, the jus gentium, and the arcana of the corps diplomatique, his proficiency is considerable; but he chiefly excels in a knowledge of the commerce and manufactures of his country, both in their domestic state and their foreign operation.

As a parliamentary speaker, he maintains a respectable rank. His speeches are not indeed distinguished for

Thoughts that breathe, and words that burn;"

but his matter and manner are never trifling. His elocution is clear and correct, and his arguments are frequently enforced in an animated and impressive style. He certainly has not justified, by subsequent exertions, the opinion of his oratorical powers, which his first speech impressed upon the public mind; but an unguarded expression often depresses the confidence of the person who has used it, and discourages a bold display of talents, that might otherwise have equalled the most sanguine expectations.

"The march to Paris," uttered in the intoxicating moment of success, dwindled into ridicule, when its impracticability was established by defeat and disappointment. It was repeated with all the force of ironical invective by the Oppositionbench, and reiterated by the anti-ministerial writers. It soon found its way, with many ludicrous

comments,

comments, into coffee-houses and places of amusement, and will probably be preserved in the tablet of public memory, while his Lordship shall retain an official situation under government.

In private life, the conduct of the noble Lord is of the most amiable kind. He is susceptible of every generous feeling; and, to his friendship, Mr. CANNING is peculiarly indebted for his rise in the political world. Lord Hawkesbury, uninfluenced by any motives of jealousy from the danger of future competition, to which the best characters are sometimes subject, viewed that gentleman's talents with admiration; and, though Mr. Canning was then on terms of intimate friendship with a leading member of Opposition, at once eminent as an author, an orator, and a wit, introduced him to the patronage of the Earl of Liverpool, who has since warmly interested himself in his favour.

DOCTOR ISAAC MILNER.

THE life of this gentleman exhibits a singular combination of ability, worth, industry, and good fortune. He was born in the West Riding of Yorkshire, near Leeds, of parents who could boast neither of rank nor property. While he was a boy, his father, who was a weaver, died; and the family, left behind, were Isaac, an elder brother Joseph,

1799-1800.

K

Joseph, and their mother, old and infirm. As the support of the father was wanting, it was necessary that double industry should be exerted, by the remaining branches of the family, to enable them even to live. The two young Milners were constantly at their spinning-wheels by day-break, in the summer; and, in winter, they rose by candlelight to pursue their labour. By this course of persevering diligence, they were enabled, for a long time, to maintain, with credit, themselves and their aged parent.

It was observed of these young men, by the neighbours, that they did not associate much with their acquaintances in the village, when a holiday or any other occasion invited them out to their accustomed sports. Instead of this, they employed their vacant time in the study of a few books, which chance had thrown in their way. This singularity brought them into some notice; and they became frequently the subjects of conversation among their neighbours.

With industry, and this love of study, they also united the strictest sobriety; so that it was generally predicted of them, by the neighbours, that they would one day make good figures in life.

Their fame at last began to spread through Leeds, a place which eminently abounds with opulent, generous, and discerning men. A subscription was readily entered into, by them, to educate, and send to college, one of these young men; and Joseph, as the elder brother, and one who, as yet,

they