Charles Cowper

Charles Cowper

Sir Charles Cowper, KCMG (26 April 1807 – 19 October 1875) was an Australian politician and the Premier of New South Wales on five different occasions from 1856 to 1870.

Cowper did useful work but does not rank among the more distinguished Australian politicians. Cowper's governments had a fairly coherent Liberal tendency, a trend which continued with the governments of Henry Parkes and later developed into the Free Trade Party. In 1852, Parkes referred in public to his "mild, affable and benignant character". In later years he spoke of his "quick insight in dealing with surrounding circumstances, and much good humour and tact in dealing with individuals". His political adroitness was such that it secured for him the popular sobriquet of "Slippery Charley". Probably Cowper deserved this title no more than Bishop Wilberforce deserved his of "Soapy Sam", but Rusden speaks of Cowper as "ever anxious to link himself with a majority" and frequently shows animus when speaking of him. He was personally popular, and towards the end of his life the estate of Wivenhoe was purchased by public subscription and settled on his wife.

Read more about Charles CowperEarly Life, Legislative Council, Premier, Honours

Other articles related to "charles cowper, cowper":

Charles Cowper - Honours
... Cowper was made a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1869 and a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1871 ... The federal Division of Cowper in New South Wales was created in 1900, and named after Sir Charles Cowper ...
Premier Of New South Wales - List of Premiers of New South Wales
... Donaldson 6 June 25 ... August 1856 No party Sydney Hamlets Donaldson 2 ... Charles Cowper 26 August 2 ... October 1856 No party Sydney Cowper I – 3 Henry Parker 3 October 7 ... September 1857 No party ...

Famous quotes containing the word cowper:

    A man renowned for repartee
    Will seldom scruple to make free
    With friendship’s finest feeling,
    Will thrust a dagger at your breast,
    And say he wounded you in jest,
    By way of balm for healing.
    —William Cowper (1731–1800)