* * * * *

MR. JEFFREY

The Quarterly Review arose out of the Edinburgh, not as a corollary, but in contradiction to it.  An article had appeared in the latter on Don Pedro Cevallos, which stung the Tories to the quick by the free way in which it spoke of men and things, and something must be done to check these escapades of the Edinburgh.  It was not to be endured that the truth should out in this manner, even occasionally and half in jest.  A startling shock was thus given to established prejudices, the mask was taken off from grave hypocrisy, and the most serious consequences were to be apprehended.  The persons who wrote in this Review seemed “to have their hands full of truths”, and now and then, in a fit of spleen or gaiety, let some of them fly; and while this practice continued, it was impossible to say that the Monarchy or the Hierarchy was safe.  Some of the arrows glanced, others might stick, and in the end prove fatal.  It was not the principles of the Edinburgh Review, but the spirit that was looked at with jealousy and alarm.  The principles were by no means decidedly hostile to existing institutions:  but the spirit was that of fair and free discussion; a field was open to argument and wit; every question was tried upon its own ostensible merits, and there was no foul play.  The tone was that of a studied impartiality (which many called trimming) or of a sceptical indifference.  This tone of impartiality and indifference, however, did not at all suit those who profited or existed by abuses, who breathed the very air of corruption.  They know well enough that “those who are not for them are against them.”  They wanted a publication impervious alike to truth and candour; that, hood-winked itself, should lead public opinion blindfold; that should stick at nothing to serve the turn of a party; that should be the exclusive organ of prejudice, the sordid tool of power; that should go the whole length of want of principle in palliating every dishonest measure, of want of decency in defaming every honest man; that should prejudge every question, traduce every opponent; that should give no quarter to fair inquiry or liberal sentiment; that should be “ugly all over with hypocrisy”, and present one foul blotch of servility, intolerance, falsehood, spite, and ill-manners.  The Quarterly Review was accordingly set up.

  “Sithence no fairy lights, no quickning ray,
  Nor stir of pulse, nor object to entice
  Abroad the spirits; but the cloister’d heart
  Sits squat at home, like Pagod in a niche
  Obscure!”

This event was accordingly hailed (and the omen has been fulfilled!) as a great relief to all those of his Majesty’s subjects who are firmly convinced that the only way to have things remain exactly as they are is to put a stop to all inquiries whether they are right or wrong, and that if you cannot answer a man’s arguments, you may at least try to take away his character.