Alexandria Gazette

Lord Melbourne.—The Right Hon. William Lamb, Baron Melbourne,—the present premier of Great Britain,—was born on the 15th March, 1779, and succeeded his father (Sir Peniston Lamb, first Viscount Melbourne,) on the 22d July 1828.

He received his early education at Eton, and afterwards spent several years at Oxford, at both of which places his progress was considerable.

Having obtained a seat in Parliament, he attached himself to the friends of Reform in England, and took part in most of the important debates on the great subjects which were discussed.

Prior to his elevation to the peerage he filled the office of Chief Secretary for Ireland during a period of two years.

When his friends came into office, Lord Melbourne was chosen to fill the office of Secretary of State for the Home Department.

At the late dissolution of the Cabinet, as our readers are aware, Lord Melbourne was entrusted by the king with the task forming a new administration, of which he is to be the head.

Lord Melbourne is not a man of brilliant talents or showy parts. He has always been moderate in his sentiments and in his expression of them. His course on the Reform Bill was so mild and conciliatory as to induce the ardent friends of that measure to accuse him of indifference as to its success.

From his character and previous course, however amiable and correct Lord Melbourne may be, and however capable of conducting public affairs, we do not anticipate a long continuance of his administration. Much depends upon circumstances and the progress of events, of which, at present, we know nothing.