THOMAS PATERSON.
, [To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Slit,—A man of some note among the working-men of London has died this week. It was in the year 1866‘ that I first saw Thomas Paterson. He was then reading a paper on the question of the way in which working-men could. best save money, and if I remember right, could buy their own houses. I remember that my father, who was with me, was much impressed with Pater- son's clearness of Statement, and. with his power of passing from somewhat dry statistics to eloquent appeal. He also said that there was something in Paterson, I think both in his face and. way of putting things, that reminded him of John Stuart Mill. Paterson was at that time a little disposed. to hold aloof from the ordinary working-class movements ; but he somewhat modified. this view subsequently, for when I actually made his acquaint- ance, fouryears later, he was helping to bring the claims of George .0dger before the electors of Southwark. Nevertheless, while thoroughly identifying himself with the wishes and wants of his class, he always took a line of his .own on the special questions that interested. them. He was an active member of the Union for promoting Working-men's Clubs, and his suggestions were always listened to with respect and sympathy. His widow is the Secretary and. practical foundress of the Women's Provident
and Protective ,League.—I am, Sir, &c,, C. E. Mamma.
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