FONBLANQUE, fofibline, Albany Wil liam, English journalist : b. London, 1793; d. 1872. At the age of 14 he was sent to Woolwich to prepare for the Royal Engineers, his health failing, his studies were suspended for two years, and he then studied law. In 1812, how ever, he began writing for the newspapers and soon attracted attention by the boldness of his opinions and the superiority of his style. From 1820 to 1830 ha was successively employed upon the staff of The Times and the Morning Chronicle, whilst he contributed to the Examiner and the Westminster Review. In 1828 the Ex aminer was given over to his complete control and until 1847 he directed the fortunes of that journal with great brilliancy and success. Fon blanque was offered the governorship of Nova Scotia, but although it offered him a chance to advocate a more liberal political system in colonial government he decided to remain with the Examiner. In 1847 he was appointed statis
tical secretary of the Board of Trade. During his later years he took no prominent part in public affairs. His political views may be best judged from his 'England under Seven Admin istrations' (1837). As a journalist he must be ranked as a reformer. Journalism before his day was regarded with disfavor, and men of high attainments hesitated to enter the field. Fonblanque showed, however, that the pro fession was one in which a man of sterling character and high literary ability might honor ably put forth his best gifts. Consult 'Life and Labors of Albany Fonblanque,' edited by his nephew, Edward Barrington de Fonblanque (London 1874), a collection of his articles preceded by a brief biographical notice.