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THE DEAN OF YORE.
Bra—I quite agree with you in censuring the impropriety of the appoint- ment which Lord Derby has made to the Deanery of York. He might have conciliated many good friends by nominating an eminent clergyman in the northern province, who has done more than any man living by his un- wearied and popular labours to regain the sympathy of manufacturers for the Church. Lord Hotham's apology makes the matter worse, insulting the great body of the clergy with the notice that, whatever be their qualifica- tions, or deserts, they need not look for honours in their own profession, if they have not a private income of three or four thousands a year !
This, however, is no reason why the new Dean should be maligned. In suggesting that he is a sportsman and a wine-bibber, you are quite under a mistake. Mr. Buncombe is a very amiable, quiet, and respectable clergy- man, who neither rides across country, nor drinks port more copiously than other people. He has taken a useful part in the religious societies of the Church, and has always respected the proprieties of his order. The worst thing I know of him is his acceptance of the Deanery of York.
[In our remarks we intended nothing detrimental to the character of Mr. Buncombe. We certainly did not mean to convey the idea that he drinks port more copiously than other people, but simply, that he represents that " orthodox," negative aspect of the Church whose representative is hailed by the toast of " The jolly full bottle," and is best known as being suited to perform the hospitalities of the Church. We, of course, accept implicitly our correspondent's statement that Mr. Duncombe is not addicted to riding. It would be no disgrace to a clergyman if he were often in the saddle, or capable of riding across a country ; and the worst that can be said against Mr. Duncombe, so far as we are aware, is that though specially elevated, he is not known for any special clerical qualifications. Our correspondent can only say of him that he is " amiable, quiet, and respectable " ; and the official excuse for his appointment is, that he possesses a private fortune, without which he could not keep up the dignity of an Apostle !—ED.}
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