The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1884-11-13
~ HONORABLE OARRER.


died 1t his home IN Cambridge an emil
nent British statesman, the lessons Of
whose career are full of meaning, yet
lessons that amid the ail-absorbing ex-
element incident 70 the uncertainty Of
our national election, the American pub
lie are likely TO overlook. The life Of
Henry Fawcett, postmaster general Of
Great Britain, characterized a. il vas By
an unfslterinR energy that attained sue
cess in the face OF the most discorfaglHg
Of physical mIsfortunes, by devotion TO
conviction that marked him as leader
In political and moral reform, and By 9
purity OF personal character, that was 9
fit adornment for so lofty public ca
reer. wOrthi1Y ranks him as one of those
whose name reflect high honor on his
time. He will be known - one oil the
leW grest blind men Of history. His
scholarly attalnments. his eminence as .
political economist, his success In par
lament, aad his efficiency az an
executive officer would be emil
nentlY creditable to any man; but
the fact OF his blindness makes them es-
pecialIy remarkable.
Postmaster General Fawcett was born
in 1888, and was still, therefore. IN the
full vigor OF his powers He received
his education st Cambridge aud studied
for the bar at Lincoln's Inn, where in the
autumn of 1853 he met, while shooting.
with the unfortunate accident that de-
prlved him of his eyesight and changed
his plans for life. He became the COM
panion and pupil of John Stuart Mill,
and 80 Thoroughly did he drink in the
spirit of that philosopher that his own
studies in political economy soon gave
him eminence, and in q few years he was
elected to q prOIessorshIp OF that science
IN bis own university of Cambridge.
Still ambitious of political distinction,
after several unsuccessful attempts, in
1865 he took his seat iG the
house of commons as the member
for Brighton. His parliamentary career
continued until about eight years
ago when he wHs made postmaster
general of England, his literary
ana economical studies being kept up
meanwhile with uninterrupted vigor.
In parliament he became the fearless
champion of various measures of parli-
smentarY and social reform. He es-
pecially interested himself in legislation
for the education of children employed
in the factories, and was also the cham
piOn of another important cause, that of
the abolition Of religious tests for AGA
IDENTICAL degrees and college Offices.
Like Mr.. Mill, he was heartily in favor
of the political reimbursement of Wo-
men. 1t is also worthy of note that In
the American contest he warmly advo-
Gated the cause of the north in its strug
gle with the south, denouncing slavery
in fiery language; a friendship, mani
tested thus when British friends were
few, that lovers of the American Union
will not forget or fail to appreciate.
But it was tor his advocacy and success
tul attainment of reforms in behalf OF the
people OF India, that Mr.. Fawcett's par.
liamentsry career was especially noted
and these efforts, actuated by q spirit OF
true philanthropy, gained for him the
honorable title of the Member for In
dia."
It would seem as though a man de-
prived of eye sight you'd be especially
untitled for executive duties; yet as
Postmaster General MI. Fawcett has
been decidedly successful. He has ex
hIbited a marvellous acquaintance with
the routine OF his duties, and has made
were largely for the public good while
as q cabinet leader he has maintained
the high rank whose expectation wa
justified by his parliamentary career.
As an author Mr.. Fawcett was much es
teemed. His works on political econo
my have been widely read. Among
them are 1.-THE Economic Position of the
British Laborer;" "Pauperism; LII
Causes and Remedies - "Free Trade and
Protection" an entire edition of which
was sold in this country. and volume
of Essays" the JOINT production of Mrs
Fawcett and himself.
The mention of Mrs. Fawcett calls Il
mind the fact that to her uhtiring and
devoted assistance Mr.. Fswcett largely
owes the success of his career. The
companion of all his duties, she fur
nished eyes for his blindness. anC
herself possessed of marked intellect
ual power, sheIwas a stimulus and F.,
help to him both in his literary and DO
litical work while the accounts of the
tenderness and affection of their home
life are healthful and beautiful pictures
for times like these. The memory Of
such life Is we'll worthy of study ant
the death of this distinguished English
man has called forth from his country
men tributes of honor and respect IN
feIgned and sincere; tributes of feeIInl
that will find an echoin the hearts o
Americans who recognize his efficien
services In the cause OF liberty and
progress.