Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-11-19
VOL. 4---NO. 80.
DAILY VIRGINIAN.
George the Fourth.

Mr.. Thackerny delivers his closing lecture tbs
evening, on George w.. whose reign began In
1890, and ended in 1880. This monarch oom-
menced his sovereignty at period when the
British realm was in the highest degree flourish
ing. The long and eventful reign Of his father and
predecessor had just closed, leaving the country
in state of peace and tranquility; and he thus
rcnped the full fruition Of triumpbs achieved by
others hands. II has been justly observed that
no sovereign ever owed so little to his own indi-
yidunl wisdom or exertons. His whole previous
life had been disgracefu to humanity. Born at
n tho time when the tone of English society was
grossly corrupt, when gaming horse racing,
prize fighting, nnd other deviations from the
right rule Of life regarded at the natural
embellishments Of rank and fortune.-he early
hecame systematic voluptuary and notorious
proiligate. While yet the heir-apparent, he fret
ted against the restrictions of the Marriage Act,
which deprived him Of free choice in virtuons
attachments, and led him into delinquencies Of q
most discredtable nature. He thus grew up
with habits of the greatest extravaganza. In
in tho year 1888, when he took his place in the
legislature. Parliament granted him an annual
income of f5O,OOO. to be paid out OF the OWL list
md voted / 100, 600. for the outfit of his house,
hold But il was soon found that this sum was
totally inadequate to his expenditure; and lin the
year 1897, his political friends brought the sub
jeet before Parliament, and strenuonsly protes-
ted against the narrowness Of the allowance. The
Prince was upwards Of El5O,OOO in debt;
and creditors began to press hard for pay.
ment In this exgenoy the king was applied to,
but he indignantly refused any relief. Pu'tcny
and Walpole also made motion In Parliament to
have his income increased to flOO,00O, but this
motion did not prevail.
A few years afterwards, Tin l795), tho king,
naturally anxious TO see an undsputed success
sion which would leave his descendants mas
tors of the throne strongly urged tho heir.
-. 90 crn, th.. al
Europe No advice could have been more un-
acceptable His royal highness had often avow-
ed himself "rabe to royal matrmony;" and no
was decidedly opposed 10 relinquishing ''his
free. unhoused condition" But, as ''necessity
knows no law" the Prince Mt last submitted to
his destiny like philosopher. and suffered him
self to be announced as tho suitor of the Princess
Caroline of Brunswick. Bot now there arose a
neither difficulty. While the Duke and Duchess
of Brun swick were over rjovcd with delight 1t see
ing themselves the probable ancestors of "A race
OF kings the princess was said I" exhibit no tri-
vial dislike to tho match. II war currently re-
ported thnt she had formed attachment to an
individual in the ducal service and the following
lf,tcr was published, purporting to be declarA-
ton of her feelings to u friend:
"You are aware of my destiny lam about to
be married 10 my cousin, the Prince of Wales. l
esteem him for his generosity, and his letters be-
speak n cultivated mind. My uncle is good
man, and love him much; but feel that shall
never be happy. Estranged from my copnex-
ions. friends and nlI hold dear ] am about to
make "A permanent o,Dnexion. | fear for the
consequences. Yet esteem and respect my
future husband and hope for kindness aud at
tention. But, alas! | say sometimes, | cannot
love him with nrdor. pm indifferent TO my mar
ringe but not nverse 20 ii: bat Il fear my Joy
will not be enthusiastic. | am deblrred from
possessing the man of my choice, end resign
az. .l., 90. I.,tr
the English language. am acquainted with it,
but wish to speak it with fuency. ] shall
strive to make my husband happy. and to inter-
est him in my favor, since the fates will have it
that am am to be Princess OF Wales"
This lady is said to have been then twenty
five years Of age; her person was very pleasing.
and her accomplishments of high order She
was esteemed one of the best harpsichord per-
formers among the royal families on tho oonti-
mont But il is doubtful if beauty or accomplish
ments had much influence with the Prince. 1t
was with him purely marriage OF convenience,
and he took the precaution to makeit as advan-
tagecus to himself possible. He had accs-
ded to the royal commands, on promise that his
debts should be discharged; and as soon as tho
nuptial ceremonies were over, no sought to
have this condition performed The statement
of the debt was accordingly laid upon the table
of tho House of comL,ons, and found to amount
to f6l2 800. This formidable bill was the occa-
sion of long and aoriminous debate; but there was
no remedy; and it was finally liqudated,- with
provso preventing future Princes of Weles
from incurring debts.
As might have been expected, this royal mar
riage was inauspicious. The Prince had marri-
ed simply for convenience; and, in very brief
period. he was ready to break the bond, for the
same convenience. His connection with Mrs.
Fitzherbert proved u source OF perpetual scan-
lal; and If it be true, was generally believed,
that he gained possession of her person by fc-
titious or elusory marriage ceremony, and after
wards made his friends in Parliament deny its
existence, (as he unquestionably did, and subse-
auently deserted her, he was. as Mr.. Alison
Justly observes, "guilty of an act which pass
ion cannot extenuate, and Royalty should not ex-
cuse." partial and at last total separation
took place between the royal couple. The Prin-
aess had apartments in Carlton House, while the
Prince spent his time chiefly at Brighton. But
the Princess afterwards retiredt to Charlton, a
village near Backheath where with the Princess
Charlotte, and some ladies in attendance, she
lived for several years. She afterwards travel
cd through Italy and Greece. and resided for
time in villa on the hanks of the lake eft Como.
In the year 1910. the Prince was recalled from
his long retirement to be made Regent OF the
realm The aifiiction which, in l770,had rendered
the King incapable of government, was returned
and Parliament had decided on the Regency bill.
After ten years of mental privation. George the
third died, 29th January, 1890, and the Prince
ten years he continued to guide the destinies Of the
realm. On the Goth of June, 1880, he expired
in the Lodge at Windsor. uttering these words
This is death !"
William the Fourth, third son King George
tire third succeeded George the fourth. and
reigned seven years. Queen Victoria. his niece,
daughter of the Duke of Kent. the fourth son
IL Al 4 H.