HUTCHINSON. 339 was ever carried into execution. But Mr. Hutchinson retained his provostship during his life. He might, had he chosen, have been elevated to the honours of the peerage; but circumstances induced him to accept that distinction for his family in the person of his lady, who was created a baroness, by the title of Baroness Donoughmore, October 16, 1783, with remainder to her heirs. Her ladyship died on the 24th of June, 1788, and was succeeded in the title, by her eldest son, Richard Hely Hutchinson, the present earl, who was advanced to the dignity of viscount on the 7th of November, 1797, and to that of an earl, on the 29th December, 1800, with collateral remainder to his brother. Mr. Hutchinson, during the whole time of his collegiate dignity, retained also his seat in parliament for the city of Cork. He was a zealous supporter of many public measures which he deemed of solid advantage to his country:—the bill for octennial parliaments, for free trade, and the bill for the emancipation of his catholic fellow-subjects, in which last he was followed with hereditary talents by his sons. Though the vigour of his early eloquence declined with his advanced years, he spoke on the catholic bill, and that proposed for parliamentary reform in his old age, with powers apparently undiminished. Time had, indeed, changed his manner; but even so changed, it was still the placid manner of dignified age; and the House listened to him with respect, deference, and satisfaction. At a somewhat earlier period—when he had long enjoyed a parliamentary fame, it was said by those who could envy without rivalling his talents, that he was no orator; and, after the most lucrative practice at the bar, that he was no lawyer. But eminence at the bar, and in the senate, could never have been attained annidst such rivals as he had to contend with without abilities of the first class. The public ultimately decided with propriety and candour. All the force of wit and talent arrayed against him in h i s academical contests, could not authenticate their sup posed discoveries o f his defective abilities. His country
