The Story of the House of Cassell
by wireless from the scene. This feat of an old journalist, in whom the instinct for a "scoop" was still lively, aroused the admiration of London Pressmen, who appointed a committee to organize a presentation. It was made at a luncheon at the Trocadero on January 21, 1914. The Hon. Harry Lawson (now Lord Burnham) presided over a company of 120 newspaper proprietors, journalists, and others, among them Signor Marconi. Mr. Lawson proposed the health of the guest and presented him with a painting of the Volturno, by Thomas H. Hemy, a library desk, chair, and clock, with an address, while to Lady Spurgeon he handed a rose-ring of diamonds and emeralds. He spoke in admiring terms of Sir Arthur's achievement, and was supported by Signor Marconi, Sir Joseph Lawrence, and others. "When I left Carmelite Street for the classic shades of La Belle Sauvage and exchanged writing for newspapers for the making and selling of books and magazines," said Sir Arthur in the course of his reply, "I thought my journalistic career had been extinguished; but the events of October showed that the fires were only slumbering." It may be added that Sir Arthur had declined to take the fee of a hundred guineas offered him by the Press Association, but had suggested that the Association might, if it pleased, make a contribution to the Newspaper Press Fund or to the orphan fund of the Institute of Journalists. The suggestion was adopted, and each of the funds benefited to the extent of fifty guineas. Sir Arthur Spurgeon expanded his story into a little illustrated book published by the House; of this the entire profits were handed to the gallant Captain Inch, of the Volturno, for distribution among the survivors of the disaster.
Sir Arthur Spurgeon having, as a good citizen, taken his share in work for the welfare of the community, has still found time to cultivate the social qualities which help to smooth the path of business. In November, 1912, on the occasion of the publication of his biography, Mr. Lloyd George, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, was entertained
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