A GREAT EDITOR

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15767, 7 December 1916, Page 3

A GREAT EDITOR

TRAGIC KND OF MR. MUDFORD,

OF THE "STANDARD."

Mr William Hescltine Mudford, formerly editor , and manager of the "Standard," died on Octoher 18th at his residence at Westcombe Lodge, AVimbledon Common. London. He was found with his clothing in flames, having apparently fallen into the fireplace. He wa s seventy-eight years of age. ' Mr Mudford was one of tho great editors of the" old school, and con-" trolled the "Standard'' from the early seventies until 1900, when ho retired. The paper was already a powerful organ when the Franco-Prussian AVar broke out, but Mr Mudford grea% increased its prestige, and his name and influence earned great weight in the controversies of the day. Gladstone once, at.a public meeting, referred to the "Standard" under Mr Mudford as "a. paper of which I wish to speak with all respect," It was the "Standard" which first announced Gladstone's conversion to Home Rule, and forestalled its rivals with a review of Disraeli's last novel, "Endyniion," Mr Mudford having got hold of an earlv copy. Among his leader writers was Mr Alfred Austin, the late Poet Laureate, Mr Mudford\s support. for rarious movements wa s eagerly sought bv tho political leaders of the dav. f t i s recorded that one night the." late Lord Carnarvon called at the office to see the editor on very urgent business. Mr Mudford was at homo, go Lord Carnarvon hurried to the.editor's house in Kensington. He was ushered into th e library, and his card taken in. After waiting a moment, the urgent caller h <r ard the loud voice of the editor: Tell the Earl of Carnarvon that the .editor.of the 'Standard' is at dinner." On-occasions when Air Mudford -wasn't home while the paper was being made up, a- squadron of boys on ponies used to ride to and fro -with his proofs at all hours of the night.