'Mr. B. B. Popplewell rose to propose “the health of the Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel and the
Conservative
members of the House of Commons,” and after eulogizing the public and private character,
and conduct
of the great statesman, remarked that he had on=observed on a late occasion, when Sir R.
Peel was
elected Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow, that the gentleman who proposed Sir John
Campbell,
driven to desperation for want of a subject of disparagement, sneeringly said in allusion to Sir
R. Peel
that they would not have “paternal power-looms and spinning-jennies.” Such a sneer was
worthy of
such a cause. He (the speaker), however, sincerely hoped, for the credit of his countrymen,
that they at
all events had yet to learn that it was a disgrace to be raised in the scale of society by the
honourable
fruits of successful industry. Hopeless, indeed, was that cause whose defenders were driven
to sneer
at the rise of individuals from the humble ranks of life. In the words of a living poet (Robert
Story), who
he was happy to see present, he would say —
“I envy not, covet not, title nor sway
Yet ’tis pleasant to think that to all they are free;
That, thanks to the laws of my country, the way
To her honours is open, ay, even to me.”
The toast was responded to with great enthusiasm [...]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Benjamin Briggs Popplewell Print: Book
'Dear Sir,—I have received your beautiful volume, probably the finest bit of typography that ever came before me; and have looked over it with interest and pleasure—certainly with hearty good will to the amiable and worthy brother-man who sketches out in that manner his pilgrimage through this confused world, alongside me. A certain rustic vigour of life, breezy freshness, as of the Cheviot hills; a kindly healthiness of soul breathes every where out of the book. No one that reads it, I should think, but will feel himself better for its influences. I can
honestly wish success to it; and to its author, peace and comfort for the days and years that remain. With many thanks and regards, I remain, yours sincerely. T. CARLYLE.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
