Forster, WILLIAM EDWARD, statesman, was born at Bradpole, Dorsetshire, July 11, 1819, the son of an esteemed minister of the Society of Friends, who died while on an anti-slavery mission in Tennessee, in 1854. Educated at the Friends' School at Tottenham, he first contemplated going to the bar, but abandoned this intention for commerce, and accepted an appointment in a worsted manufactory near Bradford. He early took an interest in philanthropic and political questions, and during the terrible Irish famine of 1845 visited the distressed districts as almoner of a relief fund raised by his co-religionists. In 1850 he married Jane, eldest daughter of Dr Arnold of Rugby, and sister of Matthew Arnold. Forster unsuccessfully contested Leeds in the Liberal interest in 1859, but two years later was returned for Bradford. After serving for thirteen months as Under-secretary for the Colonies (1865-66), he became in 1868 Vice-president of the Council on Education, and a privy-councillor. He accepted from Mr Gladstone a seat in the cabinet in 1870, and the same year introduced the greatest legislative measure associated with his name, the Elementary Education Bill (see EDUCATION). His conduct of the bill was marked by great ability, but it led him into strong conflict with the Nonconformist members and the Birmingham League, who objected to the 25th clause, which enabled school boards to pay the fees of indigent children at denominational schools out of the rates. In 1872 Forster introduced the Ballot Bill, which he piloted through the House of Commons with much skill. After the resignation of the Liberal ministry in 1874, he visited the United States. His father's memory was warmly cherished by the abolitionists, and Forster himself, who had always been a staunch supporter of the Union, and an uncompromising enemy to slavery, received an enthusiastic welcome. He had counted among his personal friends Emerson, Adams, and Sumner. On the retirement of Mr Gladstone from the leadership of the Liberal party in January 1875, Forster and Lord Hartington were named for the post, but the former wrote withdrawing from candidature, on the ground that he could not hope to unite the various sections of the party. In the ensuing November he was elected Lord Rector of Aberdeen University.
In the Gladstone administration of 1880 Forster accepted the office of Chief-secretary for Ireland, at that time the most onerous post in the government. He had not coveted the appointment, but assumed it patriotically, in the hope of being able to grapple with the Irish problem. An agrarian and political agitation was then disturbing a large portion of Ireland. Forster was attacked unceasingly in parliament by the Irish members, and his life was threatened by the 'Invincibles,' who afterwards assassinated his successor, Lord Frederick Cavendish, together with Mr Burke. More than one thousand evictions having taken place in Ireland during the first six months of 1880, Forster carried through the House of Commons the Compensation for Disturbance Bill, intended for the relief of deserving tenants evicted for non-payment of rents which they were unable to discharge. The measure was rejected by the Lords; and this proved a great blow to Forster, who believed that by its aid the government would have been able to cope with the rising influence of Mr Parnell, and with the growing agitation among the Irish peasantry. A land act was passed in 1881, but a coercion act was also necessary for the suppression of agrarian crime; and, when the Land League issued its 'No Rent' manifesto, Forster replied by a proclamation declaring the League illegal. Mr Parnell and several members of his party were arrested. Induced to adopt a change of policy by the continued disturbed condition of Ireland, in April 1882 a majority of the cabinet determined to release the 'suspects,' whereupon Forster and Lord Cowper (the Lord-lieutenant) resigned. Considerable excitement arose over what was known as 'the Kilmainham Treaty,' and Forster was much applauded by the Conservatives for his policy in this matter, and for his attitude on the Irish question generally. Forster subsequently condemned the government for their action in Bechuanaland and also in the Soudan; and he supported the unsuccessful vote of censure upon them, proposed after the death of General Gordon. Forster took a profound interest in the Imperial Federation Scheme, being anxious to strengthen the bonds between Great Britain and her colonies. With regard to Home Rule, he believed that 'a parliament in Dublin would be fraught with danger to both England and Ireland.' At the general election of November 1885 he was again returned for Bradford, in his absence through illness, by a majority of 1543 votes. He died in London, April 5, 1886. In character Forster was loyal, honest, unselfish, and courageous. He was an effective parliamentary speaker, from his straightforwardness and earnestness of conviction, but he had none of the shining gifts of oratory. His undoubted patriotism, his great abilities, and his sturdy independence will give him an honourable place amongst British statesmen. See Life by Wemyss Reid (1888).