Mr. Lockhart to John Murray.

December 21, 1825.

MY DEAR SIR,

I am delighted, and, what is more, satisfied with Disraeli’s title—­the Representative.  If Mr. Powles does not produce some thundering objection, let this be fixed, in God’s name.

Strange to say, from this time forward nothing more is heard of Mr. Benjamin Disraeli in connection with the Representative.  After his two Journeys to Scotland, his interviews with Sir Walter Scott and Mr. Lockhart, his activity in making arrangements previous to the starting of the daily paper, his communications with the architect as to the purchase and fitting up of the premises in Great George Street, and with the solicitors as to the proposed deed of partnership, he suddenly drops out of sight; and nothing more is heard of him in connection with the business.

It would appear that when the time arrived for the proprietors of the new paper to provide the necessary capital under the terms of the memorandum of agreement dated August 3, 1825, both Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Powles failed to contribute their several proportions.  Mr. Murray had indeed already spent a considerable sum, and entered into agreements for the purchase of printing-offices, printing-machines, types, and all the paraphernalia of a newspaper establishment.  He had engaged reporters, correspondents, printers, sub-editors, though he still wanted an efficient editor.  He was greatly disappointed at not being able to obtain the services of Mr. Lockhart.  Mr. Disraeli was too young—­being then only twenty-one, and entirely inexperienced in the work of conducting a daily paper—­to be entrusted with the editorship.  Indeed, it is doubtful whether he ever contemplated occupying that position, though he had engaged himself most sedulously in the preliminary arrangements in one department, his endeavours to obtain the assistance of men of commerce in the City; however, he was by no means successful.  Nevertheless, Mr. Murray was so far committed that he felt bound to go on with the enterprise, and he advertised the publication of the new morning paper.  Some of his friends congratulated him on the announcement, trusting that they might see on their breakfast-table a paper which their wives and daughters might read without a blush.

The first number of the Representative accordingly appeared on January 25, 1826, price 7_d_.; the Stamp Tax was then 4_d_.  In politics it was a supporter of Lord Liverpool’s Government; but public distress, the currency, trade and commerce were subjects of independent comment.