5 OCTOBER 1850, Page 2

Such matters in home politics as the week does present

are for the meet part personalities; and they are aloe, without exception, of a kind encouraging to' the progress of opinion. Even the Dike of Cleveland, at the meeting of the Durhant Agricultural Society, told the farmers of the necessity 'for exerting themselves -said doubling their produce. Lord Stanley's performance, as wielder of the trowel in laying the first stone of the Bury Athenceum- on land given by his father, in the native town of Peel— was a yet more local and personal affair ; but it is agreeable to see that so eminent and active a statesman has not forgotten how to expatiate on the social advantages of knowledge 'for the people. In Mr. Fox Maule's appearance to accept the freedom of Dundee, we have a still more personal, almost a family matter. Belonging to a house of hereditary local influence, Mr. Monk has attained mature years, and is still in the position of an heir— thanks to the hale constitution of Lord Panmure ; but of course the heir looks to future relations with his neighbouring town,— and so does the town. Lord Panmure has been a hearty supporter of local objects and charities ; and the good folk hope that the next Lord Panmure will be so too. These festive meetings, with some skilful caution in the speeches to steer clear of litigated questions, are a means of keeping warmth in the personal relation. The Duke of Argyll's attendance at the Campbelton dinner goes furthest of all in local and personal reference. As a theologian, as an earnest politician eager to promote the welfare of his countrymen, as a man gaining eloquence by the force of honest conviction, by practice, and an affectionate mind, the Duke of Argyll is known to England. In Scotland we see him unbending in local relations- goodhumouredly recommending Campbelton to tourists, and lend- ing even to its inn the valuable advertisement of his ducal com- mendation. There is stuff in the young Duke : he is endowed with a conscientious intellect, is without cant, and has a large heart in his bosom. Station, wealth, and influence, based on such a personal character, indicate for the future a statesman of no little mark.