Up to a short time ago, he was unknown in even the teeming ranks of noble litterateurs; but an article he wrote on a conversation with the late Mr.Parnell gave indications of a bright and apt pen, a great power of observation, and a shrewd, impartial mind.

On Sept.

4th, he surprised the House by showing also the possession of very rare and very valuable oratorical powers, His speech was excellent in diction, was closely and calmly reasoned, and produced an extraordinary effect, even on the Tory side, which, beginning by a stony silence, and a certain measure of curiosity--ended by giving an impression of being moved, and even awed a little by this speech.
Altogether a very remarkable performance; we have not heard the last now that we have heard the first of Lord Ribblesdale in the fields of party oratory.
[Sidenote: A striking personality.] The Duke of Argyll has changed a good deal in physical appearance during the last twenty years.

There was a time when he was was robust and squat, a rather stout little man, with a slightly strutting manner, head thrown back, and very fine and spacious forehead; a head of hair as luxurious and drooping as that of Mary Magdalene.

The form has considerably shrunk with advanced years, but not with any disadvantage, for the face, pinched and lined though it appears, has a finer and more intellectual look than that of earlier days.