New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-10

years old.
Lord Burnham, the proprietor Of THE
Daily Telegraph" was the last of the
old school of London newspaper
owners. Through his working years,
from young manhood to an older age
than most men remain in harness, he
controlled the business affairs and the
editorial policies Of that paper Re
made it one Of the greatest properties
among newspapers. as we'll as great
paper from the news standpoint. Born
Edward Levy. on December ~, 1893.
Oldest Of family OF eight children Of
J. VI. Levy, he assumed. IN 1875, the
surname Of his uncle. Lionel Lawson,
and became Edward Leyy-LawsOn. On
October 10. 1892, he was created a
baronet, and on July 81, 1903, he was
raised 10 the peerage as Baron Burn
ham. His title was taken from the
Hundred of Burnham, Bucks, which
contains most Of the Hall Barn estate,
which was his country seat.
On the occasion Of his eightieth
birthday, 1918. the journalists Of Great
Britain paid him a remarkable tribute
OF their respect. A large delegation,
headed by Lord Northclife, visited
Lord Burnhams country house and
presented an address 10 the dozen
newspaper proprietOrs, which was
signed by all the leading British news
paper men. Messages Of congratula-
lion were sent By the King and Queen,
by many public men and organizations,
and kilograms Of congratulations came
from all parts Of the world.
Career One OF Hard Work.
Daily Telegraph" was one of hard
work, and steady advancement from a
small beginning. After an academic
schooling at the University College
School in London, where he won several
prizes. he was given the choice between
entering London University or joining
his father in business. He selected the
latter pursuit. His father was head OF
a printing firm, and in 1855 had ac-
CURED a small newspaper, "The Daily
Telegraph and Courier" Young Levy
was given charge of this property and
spent his life in developing il into a
great newspaper. In that year the
paper was reduced from two pence 20
penny two cents and was the first
London daily paper at that p rice,
which il maintained TO the present day,
although all London competitors, with
two exceptions. now sell for one cent.
The STAMP tax" which was a heavy
handicap on English newspapers. had
recently been repealed. but the paper
duty" another burden, remained, and
Lord Burnhsm played an important
part in securing its abolition.
In those days the leading editorial
was the most important feature Of
british paper, oVershadowing the news
columns. Young Levy's frst work was
writing leaders. Since that time the
length and the relative Importance OF
me leader have declined. but the edi-
torial columns OF The Daily Telegraph"
adhere more nearly ~ the old tradition
than those Of most London papers.
THE Daily Telegraph" was always IN
the lead in the revolution OF the pro-
duction Of newf papers by improved
machinery and the revolution OF news
gathering by the use Of the telegraph
ard cable hoih Of which came during
the life Of the late owner He was
almost the only London newspaper man
who could have told from his personal
experience the history Of those changes.
Paper Of Middle Classes.
For many years "The Daily Telegraph"
ives the largest London paper in the
number of its news columns, and prob
ably no newspaper in the world as eX-
pended more money IN telegraph and
cable tolls Il has always been the
PAGER Of the middle classes. as THE
Times" was traditionally the paper OF
the diplomatic and official world. Of the
universities and the Church Of Eng
land, and as THE Morning Post" has
been the organ OF society. The num-
Der of its columns of advertising for
many years gave evidence that II was
the most profitable property.
Lord Durham was active and promi-
nent through his later life in the
Newspaper Press Fund and the Insti-
tute Of Journalists and in various pub
lie movements, and was prominent
Freemason. A few years ago he re
tired from active newspaper work and
spent most OF his time surrounded by
his family at his country place. There
he enjoyed shooting and other outdoor
pursuits and entertained az different
times the late King Edward and King
George.
Lord Burnham married on February
20. 1862. Henrietta, only daughter Of
BENJAMIN nottingham Webster. the IA
nous actor-manager She died in 1891
The couple had two sons and one
daughter. The oldest son. the Hon.
Harry Lawson. is the active manager
of THE Daily Telegraph" and has rep
resented London districts in the House
Of Commons since 1885. The second
son is Lieutenant Colonel the Hon.
William Lawson. commanding the %
Regiment Royal Bucks Hussars.
All Lord Burnham's three grandsons
we're engaged on active service from
the first day Of the European war and
two have been killed in action.