The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-12-13
Tho Prince OF Wales.

was intensified yesterday by supposed ray OF
hope that found its way through the gloom
which for the last few days has settled upon
the nation. A report, unofficial, indeed, but
eagerly received and credited, informed the
anxious multitudes that there had been
some change for the better in the
patients symptoms that his voice had
grown stronger, and that he might yet rally
from the death-lke prostration in which he
has lain so long. This news, if confirmed,
would be received all over the world with joy
as great as that it would bring to the
British people themselves; but unfortu-
natey, in the calm, careful bulletins of the
physicians we can, as yet, lind no
room to hope for favorable result.
At noon the announcement was that In the
morning he had been restless, and that his
condition was unaltered. At Eve o'clock no
change had taken place. The latest bulletin
last night announced that the Prince had been
restless during the evening, but the prostration
had not increased. These official statements
seem to have again discouraged the people,
Indeed, when it became known that the
royal steam yacht Victoria and Albert
had been despatched to bring over
from Germany the Princess Victoria, wife
of the Crown Prince, the feeling was
general that the royal family and the physi-
clans had themselves given up all hope. A
special despatch from one Of our correspond
ents in London states that the recovery of
thePrince is considered all but impossible.
Notwithstanding the number of days over
which the public excitement has extended, the
popular anxiety, in place of losing, seems
rather to acquire intensity. Business con-
tinues dull. Pleasure parties in all the
upper walks of life are discontinued.
The crowds which gather around the
bulletin boards are larger than ever. In all
the churches, of all shades of belief prayers
are offered up for the Princes recovery. 1t is
national sorrow in the truest sense, and the
and classes of the people. 1t is no longer
possible to doubt that the British people are
honestly attached to the royal family. At the
same time it is not to be denied that much of
the anxiety which has taken hold of the public
mind is due to the conviction that the death Of
the Prince would leave gap the filling up of
which would be attended with grave and
serious national trouble.
To this our special despatch makes direct
and emphatic reference. 1t is feared that the
death of the Prince would be such blow to
the Queen that in her infirm state of health
she would sink under it. In such case, Of
course, regency would have to be provided.
The possibility Of regency has already, in
fact, taken firm bold Of the public mind. A
council Of Regency is already spoken of.
The Duke Of Cambridge, the Duke of Edin-
burg, the Princess Alexandra of Wales and
Others are named as likely to constitute its
principal members. The question is raised
whether the present Parliament, in the event
of the Princes death and in the eveat
Of the Queens voluntary retirement, could,
| without fresh appeal to the constituencies,
charge itself with the difficult task of appoint
ing a regency. Speculation on this head is
wild, and all manner of strange thoughts are
finding expression. 1t is not unnatural that
the state of things should be such; for there
can be no doubt that in the appointment of
regency the people would insist on having
their wishes respected. Since the days of
George the Second and George the Third
great changes have been effected in the Eng
lish constitution, and popular sentiment can no
longer be despised or ignored. A regency in
every sense acceptable to the people it might
be impossible to appoint. At the same time
1t is not 10 be denied that the difficulties of the
possible situation are greatly exaggerated.
The constitution makes distinct provision for
| such emergencies. Precedents are not want
ing. Reference has only to be made to the
course pursued 10 1851, on the occasion of the
untimely death of Frederick, Prince of Wales |;
to the course pursued in 1911, and to what
was done in 1910 when the Prince Consort was
appointed Regent in case of the death of the
Queen, until her next lineal successor should
reach the age ofeighteen. It is simply absurd to
imagine that the death Of the Prince Of Wales,
~ some people sesD disposed to do, Would leave
Great Britain without government. The two
houses Of Parliament would still remain. There
would still be the Cabinet, and the Prime
Minister and the Lord High Chancellor and
the Privy Council-barrier walls numerous
enough and powerful enough to prevent anar-
chy. If regency should yet be found nece s.
sary, it is not our opinion that in the appoint
ment thereof any serious or insuperable
difficulties will be experienced.
There is still, however, the possibility that
the Prince may recover. There is still the
further possibility that, in the event of the
Princes death, the Queen, encouraged by the
sympathy of all ranks and classes of her
people, might take courage and give herself
more heartily to the public service. The
Queen, who is only ffty-two years of age, may
live long enough to see the majority Of her
rrandann The Qnka Of Cornuall 10 In hia