We regret to record the death of Viscount Hampden, better
known to the world as the Hon. H. W. B. Brand. He was- Speaker of the House of Commons from 1872 to 1884, and was universally regarded as one of the most impartial and courteous men who have ever filled the Chair. In 1881 he was able to prove that he was also a strong man, and we have described elsewhere the way in which he rescued Parlia- mentary government from the deadlock produced by the revolt of the Parnellites against the traditions of the House. He remained Speaker after his great coup for three years with universal regard, and on retiring betrayed his one weak- ness. He was convinced that be was the true representative of John Hampden, and, in order to bear that name, concealed the ancient barony to which he afterwards succeeded as twenty-second Baron, by accepting a rubbishy modern viscountcy. The Daores are as old as English history ; but to the Speaker, his connection with the great patriot seemed more than his descent from a companion of the Conqueror. So it was perhaps, but the use of a peerage is to preserve historic tradition.
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