Born at Glasgow and educated at the University in that city. At an early age became a partner in the firm of G. & J. Burns, which was founded in 1824 by George Burns (his father) and James (his uncle), also in the Cunard Steamship Company, of which gigantic concern, as is well known, his father, with Samuel Cunard and David M‘Iver, were the founders in 1839. From the first Mr BURNS earnestly addressed himself to the responsibilities of his important position, and finding able coadjutors in his other partners in the Cunard Company, has carried on the concerns of that great Steamship Line so as to enhance its reputation and maintain first place in the Atlantic Mail Service. In 1880, forty years after its formation, the Company was transformed into a public corporation, with Mr BURNS as chairman. The fleet now consists of 37 steamers, representing over 110,000 tons, or a money equivalent of nearly £3,000,000, and giving employment to an enormous number of persons. While everything is done on board to ensure speed and comfort, the main consideration, to which all others are made subservient, is _safety_. First-class vessels, unstinted equipment, carefully-selected officers and men, combined with close personal supervision, are the means used to attain this end, and that it is attained marvellously is matter of world-wide fame. Apart from his able management of the Cunard fleet, Mr BURNS has not allowed the affairs of his Home Services between this country and Ireland and elsewhere, to suffer in any particular, but in his hands these concerns have flourished and the trade greatly increased. The services are conducted by a splendid fleet of mail steamers, now belonging exclusively to Mr BURNS, quite irrespective of the Cunard fleet, and which, for speed, safety, and unfailing regularity of departure and arrival, are probably unsurpassed. As representing the Cunard Company, and also as a private shipowner, Mr BURNS has taken frequent and conspicuous part in the discussion of those great matters which concern the maritime interests of this country. Has often been called upon to give evidence before Select Committees of the House of Commons on shipping affairs. Was amongst the first to recommend to Government the desirability of fitting merchant steamships so as to be available in times of war. Is Deputy-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, and Magistrate for the counties of Lanark and Renfrew. Evinces unbounded interest in the commercial and social well-being of his native city, numerous benevolent institutions in great measure owing their existence to his hearty munificence. His residence of Castle Wemyss, on the Clyde, is frequently the abode of the famous of this and other countries. [Illustration: John Burns (signature) INK-PHOTO, SPRAGUE & C^o. LONDON.] PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. NATHANIEL DUNLOP. NATHANIEL DUNLOP.