Punch (79.1880)

Foe some little time we had been deprived of bis personal presence at our council-board; yet
bis letters, written with bis own band, showed no sign of failing, but, on the contrary, inspired us with
the greatest confidence in bis ultimate restoration to health. Only a few days before the end came, be
bad sent suggestions for the week’s Cartoon, and our latest Humber contained contributions from
bis pen.

That be is not still with us—that we shall not, after a while, greet him, as heretofore, at our
weekly gathering—is bard to imagine; but that be is gone from us for ever, that we shall never again
respond to the grasp of that good right band, shall never more watch those keen, quick, intelligent
eyes, nor hear bis kindly voice, seems for us, so long and so closely associated with him, impossible
to realise.

Yet, be has gone—and left us the lesson of bis life.

Gifted with rare critical acumen and mental powers of no common order, bis vigorous brain
directed a band as quick and ready as bis own thought.

Possessing a marvellous capacity for work, be was indefatigable in the discharge of bis many
onerous duties; and so, oftentimes, doubtless, overtaxing a strong constitution, be lived and died
in harness.

He was always occupied with a variety of subjects; ever as eager to acquire, as willing to impart,
knowledge. A cultivated man of letters, an admirable scholar, be was as free from pedantry as be was
incapable of idleness. His relaxation was study; bis mental rest, activity in some new field ; and from
bis earliest scbooltime to the last days of bis life, bis career of usefulness is an example of well-
directed energy, tenacity of application, and honest singleness of purpose. Whatever be set himself
to do, be did thoroughly. And in that word may be summed up Tom Tatloe's character; for, from
first to last, be was, in the highest and best sense, “Thorough.”

Peculiarly placed in Art and Literature, for him to make some enemies was inevitable. But, if
in error, be was readily open to conviction, and bis frank and free confession of mistake was not the
least touching characteristic of bis generous, manly nature.

As a Dramatist be did excellent and lasting work; but bis numerous plays are so familiar to the
public as to render superfluous here anything more than a general recognition of their undoubtedly great
merits, both in construction and in terse and nervous dialogue.

It remains to speak of him, once and for all, as we of this Staff knew him. He was a warm-
hearted, genuine, upright Man. To us, bis fellow-workers, be proved himself a careful, considerate,
and judicious Editor; and, in all respects, a staunch and loyal friend, whom we sincerely loved. He
had the very gentleness of a woman, and bis large human sympathy could never allow him to turn
a deaf ear to any tale of distress.

Quick to detect and appreciate talent, he was ready in every way and on all occasions to hold out
a helpiDg hand to a beginner.

Of his Home-life it does not become us here to speak—our deepest and strongest sympathies are
with the bereaved ones—but this we may say, in all humble hope, that when at last our names shall be
called, and when you who read and we who write this inadequate tribute to his worth, shall be
summoned to give an account of our stewardship, may we too, one and all of us, be able to present
the record of a life as useful, as well-spent, and as blameless as that of the dear friend whose loss
we deplore.