The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1862-01-04
The Widowed Queen.

Before any particulars have reached
this country concerning the death of the
frince Consort of England and its effects
on Queen Victoria, there is speculation
concerning it which cannot be regarded
as either unnatural or indelicate. 1t
arises chiefly from the great interest felt
everywhere in the excellent woman who
has been the purest monarch that England
ever had, and whose conduct as daugh-
ter wife and mother has been such a to
enlist the sympathies of all people who
respect virtue on the throne, aud wouanIy
qualities in domestic life
The bereavement the Queen suffered
during the past year, in the death OF her
mother, the Duchess of Kent, had most
serious effect upon her, though, doubtless,
the report that insanity was feared for a
time, was exaggerated by the gossips of
the English provincial press But it is
certain that she was for time, in a griev-
Gus state Of melancholy, and it is not
surprising that such a condition, in the
granddaughter Of George the Third,
should have given rise 10 the reports we
refer TO. While still in mourning Tor her
mother, she is afflicted with worse
bereavement in the death OF her husband,
to whom she was tenderly attached The
suddenness Of this blow will make it more
severely felt by one who is inclined to
melancholy, and who has never, until
within the past year, suffered from any
serious family Affections.
1t has been suggested that this double
sorrow Will induce Queen Victoria to
abdicate, and leave the throne to the
Prince of Wales, WHO is now three wears
Older than she was at the time ef her
accession. But this We are not disposed
to believe Whatever may be the private
wishes of the afflicted woman, the minis
Try would he likely TO oppose il, ana the
people OF England would grieye at the
retirement OF a sovereign who possesses
and deserves their truest affection. Be
sides, although the Prince OF Wales, while
under the tutelage of his father and
mother, bore himself IN the most exem-
plary manner, there is a certain risk that
on ascending the throne, free from all
supervision and restraint, ahd responsible
10 no earthly authority, some of tn osc
traits that did so little credit TO his great
grandfather and his uncles may appear in
bis character. Ii would be great deal
safer TO have him married, settled i'll life,
aud matured in character, before allowing
him 10 ascend the throne and it is quite
certain tha, the people Of England would
greatly prefer it
ia this country, although we have, just
now, so little reason to feel kindly dispo-
sed towards England, there IS 10 doubt
that the people warmly syuUathize with
Queen Victoria in her sorrow, and they
would regret to hear q her abiica,ion.
Her reign, which has now extended over
nearly 4 quarter of 4 century. has been
glorious one for England, and our people
have naturally associated the progress OF
the nation with the character Of the soy
ereiga. The spontaneous enthusiasm Of
the people OF the United States towards
the Prince Of Wales, was more a tribute
of respect TO his mother than TO the
young Prince himself, although his per.
sonai conduct undoubtedly won him many
friends On all proper occasions she has
shown a good appreciation of our people
Her graceful and grateful conduct in the
affair oi the Resolufe, her warm ackno'Yl-
edgmeH;s for the Inequalities offered to
her son, her treatment OF Our several
ministers. have all made an impression on
orr penple But, most OF all. they respect
her Tor 1icr s!sines ard they wea.d be
sorry 10 have any circumstance happen
that would raaic il necessary for her to
retire from q throne that size has filed 50
hcrc.ably