Volume 5

A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen / edited by Robert Chambers.

Date:
1854-1855
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen / edited by Robert Chambers. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    27/358 (page 89)
    — FRANCIS HORNER. 89 cash payments of the bank ; this, they thought, could not be safely done at an earlier period than two years from the time of their report; but they recom- mended that early provision should be made by parliament for this purpose.” This report excited much discussion both within and without the walls of the house. The press swarmed with pamphlets on the present state of the currency, and the remedies proposed ;—the journals teemed with dissertations on the same subject;—the comparative merits of a metallic and a paper currency formed the topic ot discussion in every company ;—ministers opposed the committee’s pro- position ;—and finally, Mr Vansittart, at the head of the anti-bullionists or practical men, as they called themselves, got a series of counter-resolutions passed alter four nights’ keen discussion, in which the speeches of Mr Horner and seve- ral other members extended to three hours’ length. Although defeated in their struggle, the appearance which Mr Horner made in it, was so highly respectable as to deepen the impression which his talents and knowledge had already made on the house ; and from this period he appears to have exercised very considerable influence with all parties. Indeed, the urbanity of his manners, and the moderation with which he pressed his own views, were such as secured for him the respect, at least, of those from whom he differed in opinion ; and while steadily and consistently supporting the party to which he belonged, he displayed a spirit of tolerance towards his opponents which totally subdued any thing like personal animosity on their part. His efforts were then often more successful than those of more gifted men, who, with greater talents, have nevertheless greater prejudice, frequently amounting to personal dislike, to struggle against. It has been supposed that had Mr Horner been in parliament after the death of Mr Ponsonby, he would have become the leader of the opposition. But for an honour so gxeat as this, providence had not destined him. Constant application to business and the increasing weight and multiplicity of his engagements, at last overpowered a constitution which never was very strong. Indications of pulmonary consumption soon appeared, and immediate removal to a warmer climate was deemed necessary by his physi- cians. Crossing, therefore, to the continent, he passed through France and entered Italy ; but the seeds of mortal disease had begun to spring before he took farewell of his own country, and he expired at Pisa, on the 8th of Febru- ary, 1817, in the 38th year of his age. His remains were interred in the Pro- testant burying-ground at Leghorn, which also contains the ashes of Smollett. On the occasion of a new writ being moved for the borough of St Mawes, which Mr Horner had represented, the character of the deceased member was elegantly sketched by lord Morpeth, and eloquent and affecting tributes of respect paid to his memory by several of the most distinguished members of the house. A contemporary, who was acquainted with Mr Horner, both at school and at the university, thus expresses his opinion of him: “ The characteristics of Mr Horner’s mind, if I apprehend them rightly, were clearness of perception, calmness of judgment, and patience of investigation : producing as their conse- quences, firmness of conduct and independence of principles. Carrying these qualities into public life, he evinced greater moderation and forbearance than are often found in the narrow and comparatively unambitious strifes of a less extended scene. He entered parliament at rather an early age, and soon became not only a useful and conspicuous man of business, but drew more respect to his personal character, and was regarded by both orders of the House of Commons with greater confidence and interest, than any young member had attracted, perhaps, since the early days of Mr Pitt. This will appear higher praise when it is added, with truth, that no man coming into that house under the patronage of a whig nobleman could have acted with greater liberality