“A BRILLIANT MIND”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21146, 2 October 1930, Page 9

“A BRILLIANT MIND”

LATE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD. death greatly regretted. MANY STRIKING TRIBUTES. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, September 30. The Earl of Birkenhead’s death was not expected, despite his lengthy illness, in view of the fact that he was recently reported to be out of danger. His ’fe and family were present. The newspapers give lengthy attention to his extraordinary career from humble beginnings to the highest offices in the country/ Equally remarkable are the tributes from the leaders of all branches of life, those .belonging to different political schools being in no way lacking in their expressions of. generous and sincere Regard for his outstanding capabilities. Examples of the numerous tributes are as follow: Mr Lloyd George: “There was no more brilliant mind consecrated to the service of the State in this generation. His unquenchable courage was of the highest order, and he exercised superb judgment.” Lord Hewart (Lord Chief Justice): “ The country has lost a most distinguished statesman and lawyer.” Mr Wanston Churchill; "He was a most loyal, faithful, and valiant friend. His intellectual independence and knowledge of all grave issues pending make his death a national impoverishment.” Mr Ramsay MacDonald says: “He was a truly wonderful man, with an intellectual capacity equalled by his deft .command in debate of every weapon of both offence and defence.” Mr J. R. Clynes (Home'Secretary) i “ was a dangerous and damaging political opponent. Admiration for his extraordinary gifts submerged the feeling of hostility which • his, combative qualities usually provoked.” Lord Reading: “He was one of the most striking and powerful personalities of our time.” ' • Sir John Simon: .“ He was a striking combination of bodily and intellectual vigour, with amazing gifts of phrase, repartee, audacity) and resource in discussion.” i ;■ . All the newspapers devote lengthy reviews to his life and work, together with special articles thereon. .His in a message to Lady Birkenhead, says; “The Queen and myself assure you and your children of our true sympathy. Lord Birkenhead’s death will greatly be regretted. I. shall ever gratefully remember his distinguished services in the highest offices of State.” , ' Numerous other tributes are paid, by the Earl of Birkenhead’s political frieuds and opponents, • PRESS REVIEWS CRITICAL. LONDON, October 1. (Received Oct. 1, at 5.5 p.m.) The press is generally more critical in their reviews of the Earl of Birkenhead’s career than the politicians are. The Times Says: “ The true valuation of his career and Its ideals will.long be in dispute, but no figure in his - day was more real to the mass of his contemporaries.” The Daily Express says: “To those who urge Uiat he made mistakes and had his failings we. can answer ‘ Yes,’ and ask ‘ Who is without them? f At the same time he was a great fighter, a great patriot; a igreat Lord Chancellor and a great friend.” The Morning Post, while 'paying a tribute' to his services to the State, says: “The wonder : is not that he achieved so much, but that with, such brilliant talents, and great opportunities he had not achieved more. It is impossible to say that he anywhere left his mark upon his age/’ The Daily Herald; under the heading " Birkenhead His Worst Enemy,” publishes an article by Mr Harold Laski, which says: “No one ever doubted his great- intellectual power, ‘ He was ah admirable judge, a brilliant debater, and a skilled negotiator; bnt he had grave faults both of character and temper. He enjoyed playing the part of a reckless adventurer.” The Daily Telegraph says: “ The Lord Chancellorship offered the Earl of Birkenhead a chance, which he took superbly, of leaving a great name to be'.admired by lawyers. It denied him an even superior prize—namely, the leadership of the Conservative Party.” The body has -been removed from the residence in (Srosvenor Gardens to Gray’s Inn Chapel, where it will remain until the funeral on Saturday at Charlton, near Banbury, where he had a country residence. BODY TO BE CREMATED. LONDON, October 1, (Received Oct. 2, at 0.15 a.m.) ’ The body of the Earl' of Birkenhead will be cremated at Holders Green on Friday, and ’ the ashes will- be taken to Charlton.