The death of Lord Rowton, which took place in London
on Monday, will be a source of deep regret, not only to his many friends, but to all who are interested in philanthropic work in London. His life may not inaptly be said to have been divided into two water-tight compartments. During the first half he was only known as the singularly able and devoted private secretary of Lord Beaconsfield, and the repository of more State and personal secrets than any man in the kingdom. Even after his chief was dead, and he had been made a Peer, Lord Rowton continued to exercise behind the scenes a very considerable influence on politics. He was specially trusted and consulted by the late Queen. It was not till some twelve years ago that Lord Rowton con- ceived the notion of doing something for the poor of London, and fixing upon the provision of cheap and good lodging-houses as his special contribution, entered upon the second phase of his career. He wanted to make it possible for a poor man with only sixpence in his pocket to be able to find a decent lodging in Lon- don, from which he would be able to come out, not only as clean as he went in, but, thanks to the ad- mirable bathing accommodation, a great deal cleaner. Lord Rowton in his building and organising operations was greatly helped by his colleague, Sir Richard Farrant; but we are certain that Sir Richard Farrant would be the first man to declare that Lord Rowton was by no means a figure-head in any of these undertakings, but that he took his full share of all the hard and practical work connected with the organisation and carrying on of the great enterprise which bore his name.
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