rly two
millions of capital, in addition to what they hold as a company in the
shape of mineral fields.

Although it is probably in the annals of commerce that the Messrs. Baird
will find their most lasting monument, they have not been unknown in the
arena of politics. William sat in Parliament for the Falkirk District of
Burghs from 1841 till 1846, when he accepted the Chiltern Hundreds, and
Lord Lincoln reigned in his stead. In 1851, however, the seat again
became vacant, consequent upon Lincoln succeeding to the title and
estates of the Duke of Newcastle. James Baird then took the field in
opposition to Mr. Loch, factor to the Duke of Sutherland, and was
returned by a majority of 55 votes. In the course of the following year
a general election took place, and James again came forward as a
candidate. This time he was opposed by Mr. Anderson, of London. The
result of the election was a majority of 50 in favour of Mr. Baird. At
the general election of 1857, he retired from the representation of
Falkirk, and was succeeded by Mr. Hamilton, of Dalzeill, and afterwards
by Mr. Merry, who has since continued to retain the seat. The politics
of the family have always tended towards Conservatism, and for the
support of the "good old cause" Mr. James Baird has exercised all his
influence, both moral and material.

The educational interests of the West of Scotland owe a deep debt of
gratitude to the Baird family, who have made provision in various ways
for the instruction of upwards of 4000 children. In addition to having
established schools in almost every locality where their workmen are
employed, they have built and supported schools other than those
connected with their works. One of the latter is now in progress of
erection at Townhead, Glasgow, a poor and populous locality, with but a
limited access to the means of education. Another school is just in
course of being erected at the east end of Coatbridge, the expenses of
which will be entirely defrayed by Mr. James Baird, who has all along
taken on active interest in the progress of education. On the 20th
December, 1871, he presided at the meeting held in the City Hall,
Glasgow, with the view of recommending the continuance of religious
instruction in day schools. On that occasion he pleaded eloquently and
ably for a programme which contained three leading propositions--(1)
the maintenance of the religious instruction that had hitherto been the
use and wont of the country