3-065-787 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. W. H. Smith, M.P., Financial Secretary to the Treasury, 1874. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. Lombardi. 'This gentleman, who has during the last six years been one of the two Parliamentary representatives of Westminster, and has taken office as Secretary to the Treasury in Mr. Disraeli's Government, possesses the confidence of a large number of his fellow-citizens on account of his liberality of sentiment, his moderation and sound good sense. He is a son of the late Mr. William Henry Smith, the founder of that great business the sale and circulation of newspapers throughout the kingdom, to which are added the bookselling trade at nearly every railway station, and the management of a railway circulating library, besides an extensive advertising agency. The firm is styled that of Messrs. William Henry Smith and Son...The subject of this memoir...has long devoted a portion of his time to the public service as a magistrate for Hertfordshire...as one of the Council of King's College, London; and a member of the London School Board...Mr. Smith is...a Liberal Conservative, and a firm supporter of the Established Church...In 1868, he was returned for this constituency, which has again sent him to the House of Commons in the present year'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.