3-082-709 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Mr. W. Saunders, M.P., 1895. Engraving from a photograph. 'A stalwart thinker who preferred his own opinions to second-hand views...died after a long illness on May 1. He was born in 1823, and received his education at Devizes Grammar School. Journalism attracted him, and he had much to do with the founding of the Western Morning News, and its Eastern namesake. The Central News Agency was another of his ideas, into which he threw great energy until his retirement in 1884. He became Liberal member of Parliament for East Hull in 1885...Then he represented Walworth on the London County Council, a history of whose early proceedings he wrote, and in 1892 was returned to Parliament for this constituency, but ill-health prevented his taking a very active part in politics latterly. He was never a strict party man, and his independence on Home Rule and other questions will be remembered. Mr. Saunders was a participant in the historical "Battle of Trafalgar Square." He was deeply interested in temperance, and was a vice-president of the United Kingdom Alliance. He had only recently returned from the South of France, it was hoped in better health, but he suddenly passed away while residing with his brother at Market Lavington'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.