English merchants demanded some participation in the Indian traffic. They urged, and doubtless with much reason, that though the nature of some trade might require a temporary limitation to a company, and as a return for the risk of capital, yet the term of exclusion, for the benefit of that company, might be extended to a duration beyond what was necessary for its support; that there was still a period when the commerce might stand upon the usual basis of traffic, and be opened to the whole body of English

merchants.

Sir Francis Baring, on this occasion, came forward as the advocate of the company, and defended its cause with an ardour contrary to the usual moderation of his character. He insisted that the heavy expence, and the actual public services of the company, composed a debt, to the discharge of which an eternal monopoly of the East India trade would scarcely be sufficient. "Let it be granted," said he, "that we have improved our possessions, and that under the hands of the company an insignificant colony has become a great empire. That we should be deprived of a government, because it has thus flourished under our protection, appears equally unjust and ludicrous. Let us be treated with something like justice, and if we are to be ousted of a farm which we have thus improved, let it be for some better reason than that we have thus improved it."

It is needless to add what has been the event of this contest; the charter was renewed, and the relief

of the body of English merchants, from what their petition called "this oppressive monopoly," left, like other evils, to the gradual effect of time.

Throughout the whole of this contest Sir Francis Baring conducted himself with unusual zeal, and upon its termination received a vote of thanks from one of the general assemblies of the company.

In the year 1796, upon Sir John Jervis being rewarded with a peerage, and therefore vacating his seat for Chipping Wycombe, Sir Francis Baring was elected as a representative for that borough, and at the last general election in 1802, he was returned for the same place.

We have before had occasion to mention some of the traits of the private character of Sir Francis. It has been already said that he is no less amiable in domestic than distinguished in public life. Although of a grave cast of mind he is not without relish for social enjoyments, and is seldom absent from the parties and entertainments of his friends. The routes of his lady are reckoned among the most brilliant in town, and notwithstanding he himself is not always present, it does not proceed from a distaste of society. He, however, prefers the more tranquil enjoyment of a domestic circle to those gay but promiscuous assemblies. His table is such as becomes his wealth, and his solid hospitality is perfectly suitable to the honourable character of an English merchant.

His conversation like his address is simple and devoid of ostentation. His great characteristics are

method

method and dexterity in business, a sound judgment, and a most excellent heart.

Sir Francis has many brothers now living, one of whom, Mr. John Baring, is member for Exeter. He has moreover a very numerous family of sons and daughters. The greater part of the former, having attained the age of manhood, are respectable merchants; one of them, Mr. George Baring, is settled in America, and, we believe, has become a partner in a great mercantile house. One of his daughters is married to Mr. Wall, a merchant of great opulence.

Sir Francis Baring is now advanced in life, and labours under some difficulty in point of hearing. In person he is of the middle size, and very thin. He seldom speaks in parliament, but on commercial subjects, and to the honour of both, still maintains his ancient friendship and connexion with the Marquis of Lansdown.

RIGHT HON. GEORGE TIERNEY.

WHILE treating of public men, it has always been our wish and aim to conduct our narratives and lucubrations with equal delicacy and decorum. It is not difficult to be lavish of either indiscriminate censure or applause, but it is no easy matter to hold a just medium between the two extremes, and praise without adulation, or blame without malice. Certain characters are to be decided upon at first sight,

but others require the test of time, and even invoke the pressure of Ithuriel's spear, before the public are enabled to form a just estimate of them.

Mr. Tierney was originally intended for the bar, and became in due time a member of one of the inns of court. Like many men of talents on their outset in life, he was perhaps discouraged from pursuing a career which leads to the first honours of the state, from a consideration of the few prizes, to the many blanks, in the lottery of Westminster-Hall. This has indeed become proverbial, even among the young men of the profession, who quaintly, but emphatically observe on this occasion, "that many are called, but few are chosen." This, however, did not appear likely to be the case with the subject of this memoir, as he manifestly possessed all the talents necessary for obtaining either wealth or preferment in the line just alluded to, and has always exhibited that sedulous attention to business, that close and unabated ardour towards the attainment of a favourite object, together with that species of practical oratory, which could not have failed to attract clients, and ensure

success,

But another destiny awaited Mr. Tierney, and instead of contentions in the King's-bench and Common-pleas, he was fated to fight battles in the neighbouring field of St. Stepen's Chapel. The object, indeed, was the same in both,-the hopes of celebrity and preferment; nor was the scene, in a local and literal sense, far distant from his pristine occupations,

as

as he only changed below, for above stairs, and pleaded in a plain coat and short bair, instead of appearing in a gown and tie wig.

Having determined then to become a politician instead of a lawyer, it was necessary to look around for a borough which he might represent. His first choice was unfortunate, for he pitched on one then noted in the annals of corruption. This was Colchester, a town famous for the length and vigour of its contests, So eminently expensive, indeed, did an election at this place at length become, that in the course of no longer a period than thirteen years, three different candidates were completely ruined, their misfortunes being at the same time chiefly attributed to this event. At least the plain matter of fact is, that the late Mr. Fordyce the celebrated banker, Mr. Robert Mayne who followed the same calling, and Mr. Christopher Potter, who was supposed to have acquired great opulence as a contractor, all appeared in the list of bankrupts soon after the conclusion of their respective contests for this immaculate place!

Not in the least intimidated by the fate of his precursors, and wishing no doubt to shame them into virtue, (for he neither possessed the power nor perhaps the inclination to bribe them to his views,) Mr. Tierney stood on what is termed the popular interest. He ac cordingly appeared twice a candidate, but contending against superior wealth, although not superior talents, he was twice discomfited. This produced two dif ferent petitions, one against Sir George Jackson singly, and another against the same baronet, in conjunction