Huskisson

Huskisson, William (1770-1830), a prominent English statesman, was born in 1770, and in 1783 went to Paris to study medicine. He took part'in the storming of the Bastille. In 1792 he returned to England, and entered political life as a supporter of Capning and Pitt. He was member for several constituencies. In 1814 he was Commissioner of the Woods and Forests; in 1822 President of the Board of Trade; in 1827 Secretary of State for the Colonies, and in 1828 Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Many restrictions on the trade of the colonies with foreign countries and many import duties were removed through him, so that he did much to prepare the way for Free Trade. He was run down by an engine at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, and soon succumbed to the injuries received.