would publish their letters-when we could compare and test them— how much history would gain in truthfulness. As it is, we paint the picture, and put the name underneath. That four-legged, sprawling quadruped yonder is a lion. You doubt it. Look! the artist has written "Lion" underneath. Such is history, more or less. The eye brings with it the power of seeing-a man writes what he sees. Of a statesman so conspicuous as Lord Palmerston-of one who held office so many years, and had been mixed up with such important transactions in every quarter of the globe-it may be that it is barely the time to write fully yet. He was, undoubtedly, concerned in many affairs, judgment on which cannot be pronounced definitely; inasmuch as the materials, by means of which alone a true judgment can be formed, are at this time inaccessible. However, for popular purposes, enough is known to warrant the publication of such a Work as the present. It may be that, after the living generation has been gathered to its fathers, there may appear the Palmerston despatches, full of startling revelations. We, however, must do the best we can; and, with this end in view, the Author has endeavoured, as much as possible, to write the story of his lordship's life and times. It is we-the men of to-day-not our grandchildren, who will take an interest in the matter. The Author has not aimed at writing history, so much as at finding materials for history. He has endeavoured to preserve a fair amount of impartiality. At the same time he is free to confess that he sides. with those who have faith in the future, and in man, rather than with those who contend for the wisdom of our ancestors-who believe abuses enhance the beauty of our constitution in church and state-who oppose improvement under the plea of innovation, till, in their panic, they throw down their arms, surrender at discretion, and support innovation when it has ceased to be improvement. With this latter class of politicians Lord Palmerston was at war all his life; and in asking the reader to study his career, on the principle that, in the language of one of the old translators of Plutarch, "it is better to see learning in noblemen's lives than to read it in philosophers' writings," the Author trusts the political opinions of many on the side of progress will be strengthened and sustained. The study of a career so lengthy as his lordship's, cannot but show how vain are the fears of those whose faith is in the pastin the good old times when George III. was king. Lord Palmerston is, of course, the principal figure in the following Work; but his contemporaries, whether politicians or authors, or men of fashion or wit, are not forgotten. Considerable space has also been devoted to the progress of the nation in science and art, in education, in commerce; indeed, in every possible way, whether in Great Britain and Ireland, or in the colonies and dependencies more or less remote. To a certain extent, also, the LIFE AND TIMES OF LORD PALMERSTON must necessarily be a history of Europe and her revolutions. Little more than a bird's-eye view could be sketched in such a Work as the present; but the general reader, it is hoped, will here find as much information as he may require. The Author would add a few more words. His aim has been completeness rather than originality. To authors past and present he is under innumerable obligations. In every case he believes, however, he has indicated the source whence his information has been drawn; and he now makes this general acknowledgment, and gratefully returns his thanks. Finally, the Author would say, that, in a Work composed under such circumstances as the LIFE AND TIMES OF LORD PALMERSTON, there inust be many imperfections. Conscious of them, the Author can only say he has done his best; and must now trust himself to the kind indulgence of his readers. |
