Sir 'William Acworth, who died last week, was a sound
publicist who was acknowledged as a high authority on railway economics. Having been a schoolmaster and, oddly enough, tutor to the ex-Kaiser and Prince Henry of Prussia, he turned to journalism for the Times and other papers, and published his economic studies. His knowledge of men and affairs doubtless helped him when he was asked to make practical use of his written theories upon Railway Commissions in Great Britain, Canada and Rhodesia, and was appointed to some railway director- ships. As Chairman of the last Indian Railway Com- mittee he did particularly able work. He was a con- vinced opponent of State management, though he accepted State ownership where he found it. In February last he wrote to us a vigorous letter on our Post Office organization. Death has also taken the greatest operatic tenor of his day, M. Jean de Reszke, who wisely withdrew from the stage before his voice or powers failed at all. The young generation therefore only knew him as the teacher and inspirer of pupils who learnt from him at Nice.
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