Eminent Persons (Volume 3); Biographies, Reprinted from the Times. Vol. 1-6. D. (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1893. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... MR. FAWCETT Obituary Notice, Friday, November 7, 1884 The premature and lamented death of the Right Hon. Henry Favvcett, M.P., has removed a notable figure from the sphere of Parliamentary life. Short as was Mr. Fawcett's official career, it was yet sufficiently long to prove that he possessed no small share of administrative ability. It has been said that the academic mind fails when it comes to grapple with the details of practical work; but Mr. Gladstone's Cabinet contains more than one member whose experience contradicts this assertion. Certainly the statesman who has been cut off at a moment when it seemed that further possibilities of political usefulness were opening out before him was signally successful in grasping the duties of his office and in carrying them out to the satisfaction of the nation at large. During his tenure of the office of Postmaster-General, Mr. Fawcett demonstrated his capacity for dealing with the complicated business questions which constantly arose for settlement, and he infused more life and vigour generally into his administration of the Post Office than was the case with many of his predecessors. The deceased, who was the son of Mr. W. Fawcett, J.P., of Salisbury, was born on the 26th of August 1833, so that at the time of his death he was in his fifty-second year. The elder Fawcett was one of the earliest members of the Anti-Corn Law League, and he was well known to and esteemed by Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright. When he had attained his eightieth year he was still an excellent and effective speaker. He appears to have transmitted something of his own fine, robust constitution to his son, who--until suddenly struck down by illness a short time ago, and now again by the attack which has had a melancholy and fatal result--enjoyed the mo...