DEATH OF SIR JAMES MACKINTOSH.
THE death of SIT JAMES MACKINTOSH is a public loss : it implies the extinction of a highly cultivated mind, considerable powers, liberal tendencies. Ile was prepared to execute works of great utility, which probably no existing writer can approach with the same mastery of the subject. It is true, the world has had reason to be disaKointed in not realizing more from talents whence it was led to expect so much ; but the difficulties and obstacles to be overcome were not few. One, not the least, was a wretched state of health, and a weakness that inclined him to indulge in favourite medicines„which only assisted in wearing out a broken constitution.
As an orator and member of Parliament, Sir J AMEs was a powerful and efficient speaker, with the only drawback of a broad accent and disagreeable voice. But his language was excellent, his matter copious, his self-possession complete ; andwe do notbelieve that he ever made a speech in the House that did not directly tend to increase the happiness of the people. Of late, he does not seem to have kept pace with the progress of public opinion ; or rather, its rapid dity and his occupations have caused him to be left or laid aside. Political life demands a sound constitution and independent means. Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH was not fortunate enough to possess either. Partly his tastes, partly his wants, drove him to literature; in which occupation, the responsibility and fastidiousness attached to a great name, damped the energy of his purpose, and retarded an activity that might have been well directed both to the im- provement of literature and the amelioration of his fortunes.
Sixty-six is no great age ; but in a less number of years, Si JAMES MACKINTOSH might have done more : that he would live much beyond that period, his friends never hoped.
The death of this eminent person seems to be felt more in dis appointment than in grief: the truth being, that more has been expected of him, not than he could have performed, but far more than he will be found to have left behind him. Politicians, too, have not forgiven the author of the Vindicice Galileo for not en- tering with a warmer sympathy into these latter days of England. Be this as it may, the truth is, that one of our best writers and ablest speakers is about to be consigned to his tomb.
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