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


Before any particulars have reached
ms country concerning the death of the
Prince 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, and woulanIy
qualities in domestic life
The bereavement the Queen suffered
during TIE 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 bv 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 Use 10 the reports we
refer to. While still in mourning Tor her
mother, she is afflicted with a worse
bereavement in the death OF her husband,
II. Il
suddenness of this blow will make il more
severely felt by one who is inclined to
melancholy, and who has never, until
serious family Affections
1t has been suggested that this double
SORROW viii induce Queen Victoria TO
abdicate, and leave the throne to the
Prince OF Wales, who is now three years
older Than she VAS AT the time 81 her
accession. But this we are nov disposed
to believe Whatever may be the private
wishes Of the afflicted woman, tie minis
Try would he likely 10 oppose it, ana the
people Of England would grieve at the
retirement Of a sovereign vino possesses
and deserves their true>t 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 those
traits that did so little credit TO his great
grandfather aud his uncles, may appear in
bis character. II would be a great deal
safer 10 have him married settled in life
aud matured in character, before allowing
Ast-! - G@ttLA ltf lHIDl!c- 3!l II = quite
certain that the people OF England wouhi
greatly prefer il.
ia this country, although We have, just
now, so little reason to feel kindly aispo-
sed towards England, there IS TO doubt
that the people warmly symrathize with
Queen Victoria in her sorrow, and they
would regret to hear q her abiicati3n
Her reign, which has now extended owe!
nearly quarter of century, has been a
glorious one for England, AID cur people
have naturally associated the progress Of
the nation with the character Of the soy
ereien. The spontaneous enthusiasm ol
the people Of The United States towards
the Prince Of Wales, was more tribute
of respect 10 his mother than 10 the
young Prince himself, although his per
sonal couduct undoubtedly won him many
friends On all proper occasions she has
shown good appreciation of our people
Her graceful ana grateful conduct in the
affair OF the Resoiute. her warm ackno-l
edgnlents for the inequalities offered tc
her son, her treatment OF ctr severa
ministers. have all made an impression O.
! cur people But, most of all, they rcspec
her Tor 1fcr v:frGes ard they ~ e,,id h.
sorry 10 have any circumstance happe.
that would make il necessary for her t
. retire from throne that she has flied :,
Lcnorabiy