ce was characterised by intelligence, directness, the absence
of all meretricious ornament, and an eagerness to convince and carry his
hearers with him, which was singularly effective. His addresses were
not only free from all ambition as to ornate or attractive language, but
also as to original or characteristic thought. There was such an
entire absence of all self-seeking about the man, and he so thoroughly
identified himself with the people whose interests he pleaded, that,
possessing a fair readiness of speech, and aptness for _ad captandum_
argument, he could not fail to secure the favourable attention of
earnest men on a subject where their interests were largely engaged.

Although Mr. Cobden promoted the agitation of the question on broad
national grounds, he, nevertheless, looked at it from a class point of
view more particularly, and this was one of the elements of his power
with the traders. When he began the agitation it was as a manufacturer,
for the redress of a grievance which affected his class; it was as he
went on in the agitation for that object, that he began to look upon
the question as one of general interest; and then his speeches assumed
a higher tone and a larger scope, and sound principles of political
economy were uttered by him with all the force of truth which he felt,
and which he had capacity ably to express. It could, however, scarcely
fail to strike men that whether in Free-Trade Hall, in Manchester, or in
the commons house of parliament, his speeches on free-trade were rather
those of the merchant than the philosopher or the statesman. On all
political and politico-economical questions, the tone of his mind was
the same: he regarded them rather in reference to the effect likely to
be produced upon commerce in its immediate or proximate interests,
than in the ulterior consequences, or the great political and ethical
principles involved. The interests of trade, rather than the honour
of England, engaged his heart. He was, consequently, accused of being
deficient in patriotism; but no public man was more willing to sacrifice
himself for the welfare of the people of England, or was personally less
selfish. He was kind, amiable, truthful, honourable, and upright; and
desired with all his energies to promote, not only the welfare of his
countrymen, but of all men.

A public subscription having been set on foot, the committee by whom
it was conducted reported the result of their labours about t