We record with very deep regret the death of Mr.
S. H. Butcher, M.P. for the University of Cambridge, which took place on Thursday evening. Mr. Butcher's life was divided into two parts. In the first, that of the scholar, his achieve- ment was brilliant in a high degree, his best-known work being the prose translation of the Odyssey, produced in con- junction with Mr. Andrew Lang. It would be difficult to exaggerate the charm of this translation. It has the supreme merit of reading not like a translation but like an originaL The second half of Mr. Butcher's life promised to be equally distinguished. On the death of Sir Richard Jebb he was elected as Member for Cambridge University, and almost at once made his mark in the House of Commons. Though there was no more loyal and devoted Unionist, he yet never failed to give to his friends, and we believe also to his political enemies, the sense of his being a devoted and self-sacrificing son of Ireland. His wisdom, good sense, and kindly influence will be greatly missed if and when the House of Commons attempts to dissolve the legislative Union.
Previous page
