We truly believe that the whole country gill sympathize with
the people of Worcestershire in their acknowledgment of Sir John Pakington's pablie services, which have not been limited to the county, but belong to Ins country. And even oii this ocee.- sion Sir John continued his public services ; for he did so in the very remarkable touch of critical autobiography with which he explained how he had attained to this acknowledgment, "Have I," he asked, "attained those honours through the exercise of any great or transcendent talents ? Certainly not. Have I gained them as the reward of extensive and varied acq-airements ? Certainly not. If I have deserved any portion of that kindness which I have received, I SDI indebted to the exercise of qualities and the adoption of rules which are equally in the power and compass of those who hear me, and of any man who is desirous to take part in the public affairs of the country." "I am in- debted to a combination of moderate abilities, with honesty of intention, firmness of purpose, and steadiness of conduct." Sir John has been a thorough English gentleman, who could, in a Christian spirit, give credit to his opponents ; who, when he en- countered antagonizing opinions, endeavoured to ascertain the truth. Few men have done more service for Liberal institutions them this old and, in a high sense, consistent Conservative.
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