Mudford Takes Over

Following the differences with his son, and Gorst’s dismissal, James Johnstone now decided that The Standard needed an experienced newspaperman as editor. He first looked to W. D. Williams, the chief reporter, but, upon discovering that Williams was a Catholic, dismissed him. After trying several others without success, he wrote to Mr Mould, who headed the paper’s parliamentary staff of twelve journalists, and offered him the post. Mould, an unambitious person of middle age, felt unwilling to take on the responsibility, and eventually suggested W. H. Mudford, whom Johnstone duly appointed as editor in 1874.1