New-York tribune., 1912-01-17

founder and first editor Of ''The London
Weekly Truth" died at his villa here this
morning
Henry Labouchere was a man OF many
parts. his cheerful cynicism being perhaps
the most attractive side Of his character.
He believed IN nothing and in everything.
He had a tremendous viii that carried him
TO success despite all obstacles He poked
fun at display. hypocrisy and kindred
weaknesses. and. although ne was pos
sessed Of an income that reached close to
100000 per annum. he was severely simple
I'm all his habits OF life. But he was radical
to a degree.
AS a writer OF graceful, forceful and
pointed English, Dabouchere ranked high.
As Jolly good fellow who was everybodys
acquaintance, who could tell a story with
the next, who feared nothing, and who was
immensely resourceful, ne was much sought
after.
one of the noted characters in the House
OF Commons, he was just as liable to poke
fun at his own side of the House as at the
other. For that reason the House Of
Commons was always well filed and atten-
tive when "Labby" had something to say.
French extraction. At the end Of the eigh-
teenth century Pierre Cesar Labouchere,
a member of a HuguenOt family llv-
ing In Amsterdam, was a member Of the
great banking house of Hope. During the
Continental wars he moved to London, and
in 1896 married a daughter of Sir Francis
Barring, who bore him two sons-Lord
Taunton, now dead, and John Labouchere,
the father Of Henry. John Labouchere be-
came a partner in the banking firm of
Williams, Deacon & Co.
The son. Henry, was born I'm 1884, and was
educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cam
bridge During his college days he was eX-
tremely wild indulging I'm pranks that near
~ caused his expulsion He finally left
Cambridge without degree and came to
America, going TO Mexico after the pretty
face worn by circus rider.
At the age OF twenty-three years he was
appointed an attache nt the British Lega-
ton at Washington, and settled down TO
politics. In 1854 he retired from the diplo-
matte service and began his political career,
being elected to Parliament in the royal
borough OF Windsor. He gained reputa-
ton as a Journalist while correspondent
for The Daily News" in Paris during the
siege. His letters from the beleaguered city
proved him first class war correspondent
In 1871 Labouchcre started his weekly
Truth" whose wit no less than its keen
ness and its daring treatment Of subjects
apt 70 be avoided in British journalism
proved to be a drawing bait TO the English
people.
I.abouchere's greatest journalistic feat
and his greatest service TO Ireland lay in
the exposure Of the forgeres OF Pigott. He
compelled Pigott to confess that he had
forged the Parnell letters at the instgation
Of The Times" Everybody believed In
Pigotts guilt save ParneH himself, who 10
his last day suspected Captain O'shea. the
former husband Of his own (ParnellsD wife.
There was scarcely d week that Truth
did not publish an exposure OF some rascal
or other and although il was almost con-
tinuously sued for libel II was so sure OF
its facts and 20 we'll served by It's couu-
sell the late Sir George Lewis. that It
nearly always came of victorious. For
many years II has published a list OF sus-
pected or convicted impostors, which is tn
great request.
Occasionally his targets. defeated IN the
courts, sought personal vengeance. on one
occasion young man named BROOKS
whose father q professional letter writer
had been exposed by Truth" met the
editor IN front OF the latter's home and
dashed him severely with hOrcewhip
Years before that Sir Edward Lawson beat
him with a cane for an attack on his
falher
Mr.. Iabouchere not only attacked abuses
but did much good In the philanthropic
field. The Truth" Doll Show, for the ben
eft Of crippled children, has long been one
Of the prominent features OF the Christmas
season In London lie had an enormous ac-
auaintance, and was personally exceeding
~ popular, even among those who most de-
tested his political opinions. Many years
ago he was married TO Henrietta hodson.
Il favorite actress. to whom he was devot-
ed Their entertainments were charming
Her death. not long ago, was a great blow
20 him, and he was also greatly shocked
by the death OF his old friend and ally Sir
George Lewis Mr.. Labouchere had Tor
many years dwelt In Pope's villa, At TwIck-
epham. During the last year or TWO ne
had partly retired from active business.