LUCAS, FREDERICK, was the second son of Samuel H. Lucas, Esq., of Croham, near Croydon, Surrey, a member of the Society of Friends. Ho was born in 1812, and was educated at the London University, where be gained early distinction as a debater. He was called to the bar in 1838, and in the following year became a member of the Roman Catholic Church. In his new position he took an active part in public matters, and became the founder of the Tablet' news paper, which he conducted as editor for many years. He was also a frequent contributor to the 'Dublin Review.' In 1849 he transferred the Tablet' from London to Dublin, and in 1852 was elected M.P. for Meath, mainly through the influence of the Roman Catholic priesthood, whose cause, and that of the poorer classes of the land of his adoption, be warmly espoused. Believing that the Roman Catholic priesthood, under the existing circumstances of the country, were the natural friends and guides of the lower orders, he very warmly and zealously advocated their right to take part in political affairs. In
this view he was not supported by the Roman Catholic episcopate in Ireland; and towards the close of 1854 he travelled to Rome, io order to appeal to the pope against the decision of that body. His health, which had long been failing from over exertion of his mental and physical energies, broke down while the matter was under deliberation at Rome, and 31r. Lucas returned to England and died before a formal decision was given. His death occurred on the 22nd of October 1855. He was a powerful but declamatory writer and speaker ; but he succeeded from the first in securing the respect and attention of the House of Com mons, and his able and fearless advocacy of Tenant Right, and of the independence of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, made his loss much regretted by his party.