[Born near Bury, in Lancashire, 1788. Died in London, 1850. Aged 62.]
The House of Commons was to Peel--what it had been to Pitt, his
illustrious predecessor--his world of thought and action. Pitt was 20
when he took his seat in Parliament by the influence of Sir James
Lowther. Sir Robert was 21 when he was returned for Cashel, by the
influence of his father. Both lived, and, so to speak, died on that
grand stage. If Pitt is to be recognised as the boldest and bravest
Minister that ever conducted a country through the perils and disasters
of a protracted war, Peel must be regarded as the most courageous
statesman that ever dared to guide a busy nation through the peculiar
dangers that environ a period of long peace. Pitt set up a principle of
action as his guiding star, and steered his course by its light, against
the bitterest opposition and the most vehement remonstrance, and died,
still proclaiming the safety of his chosen path. Peel, in a later age,
and under different circumstances, sacrificed, year after year, his
strong convictions, in order to direct within safe channels the popular
current which in spite of all his efforts to resist it, flowed on until
it threatened to destroy and drown all obstacles--good or evil--that
opposed its progress. Had Pitt lived in the days of Peel, his sagacity
would have compelled the same policy. The proof of Peel’s sound wisdom
was emphatically witnessed when he ceased to be Minister in 1846, but
continued, until his cruel and untimely end, to exercise the greatest
influence of all living men, over the destinies of his country. More
potent than even the Prime Minister who had unseated him, was Sir Robert
Peel, from 1846 until 1850. Many are the claims of Peel upon our
gratitude. He reformed our criminal code; he advanced the cause of
religious freedom; he repealed the corn laws. His attainments as a
scholar were great, and he was a warm encourager of literature and art.
His secret charities to men of genius--revealed since his death--declare
the goodness of his heart. It is said that he had few friends in public
life. It may be difficult for a politician to enjoy this luxury. In the
bosom of his own family he was beloved.
[This fine colossal statue, which will be found at the south-west
angle of the great Transept and Nave, is by Baron Marochetti. It is
executed in bronze.]