Delane, JOHN THADEUS

Delane, JOHN THADEUS, editor of the Times newspaper, was the second son of a barrister, and was born in London, 11th October 1817. He received the earlier part of his education in private schools, and at King's College, London, and finally went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1839. At the university, he was more famous for horsemanship than reading, and though bright and active-minded, he never professed to be a scholar. After leaving Oxford he studied life in many forms, walked the hospitals, was called to the bar, and reported in the House of Commons and on circuit. Mr Walter had early marked Delane's capable character, and soon placed him on the Times staff; and in May 1841, not yet twenty-four, he became its editor. For thirty-six years Delane held this post, aided, however, for the greater part of this period by his brother-in-law and college friend, George Dasent (q.v.). Under his editorship, the Times attained a prodigious circulation, and an influence unparalleled in the history of journalism. He wrote no articles, but he contributed excellent reports and letters. He merged his personality in his paper, and the history of his later life is the history of the extraordinary influence wielded by the leading journal. His exposure of the railway mania, his vehement attacks upon the management of the Crimean war, and his strong opposition to England's assisting Denmark in 1864, are among his best-remembered acts. He was singularly shrewd in weighing public opinion, possessed remarkable foresight, and seldom made a mistake. Having resigned the editorship in 1877, he died two years later, 22d November 1879. His successor was Thomas Chenery. A Life of Delane by Sir G. Dasent was announced, but abandoned in deference to Mr Walter.