The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-12-07

has been informed by his physicians that he
has that incurable ailment known rs Brght's
disease of the kidneys. II this be true there is
no probability Of his ever sitting on the
English throne. There are yet no signs Of
any breaking down in his mother, the queen,
and there is no malady more sure TO bring
death than Bright's disease.
The English people would regard the death
OF Albert Edward as great misfortune 70
them. This may seem singular, since his rep
utation in America is that Of profigate
One hears Of him at the theatres paying espe'
cial attention TO the most beautiful actresses
In India, some years ago, he was said 10 have
given free vent to his immoral tastes and
shocked the civilized world. Recently he
witnessed sparring match in which the
bru;ser John l.. Sullivan took part. Why is
1t, then, that the English people take SO great
an interest In the life Of this man, who Is
neither great nor goodf
In the first place the prince had largely
finished sowing his "wild oats" ten years ago.
or late those scandals with which his name
was formerly connected seem to have ceased.
His English taste for manly sports led him to
view sparring match, perhaps an undigni-
fed act for one Of his position, but it would
men all read sporting papers; and whose
school boys are trained to box and settle their
disputes in ring Indeed, one Of the ele-
ments of popularity Of Albert Edward is that
he is the patron In England Of those hardy
sports which have given such strength and
courage TO Englishmen, and enabled them al
ways to do more with fewer troops than any
other nation.
The prince, though not great man, is far
seeing. One occupying his position belong
ing to a family set apart from all others ex-
cept Of royal blood, would be expected to
hold to the belief that he was secure in his
position The prince does not take this view
Of royalty in England. He has watched the
democratic tendency Of the age and adapted
himself to it. He has the wisdom to follow
public opinion rather than stand against it.
The Prince of Wales is the most democratic
man Of those enjoying a similar position in
Europe. He makes 1t a point to become
identified with all classes. He can always be
counted upon to take part in meetings and
other matters tending to benefit the public.
He constantly is called upon to preside at
these meetings, and his speeches are remark
able for being adapted to the audience and to
the purpose. To hospitals, churches public
buildings Of all kinds no constantly lends the
interest attaching to his presence, and is kept
busy either in laying their corner stones or
at their dedication. In this way he becomes
identified with the people whose king, 1t was
supposed, he would one day be, and it is per
haps this want Of holding aloof from them,
common with his predecessors, which has led
him to that democratic demeanor he shows
whenever court etiquette will permit. He
goes about quite as other people go, and Of
late years it has been a common occurrence to
see him riding in the park in "A hanson cab.
1t is said that the prince would do well in
politics; not that he troubles himself as to
the law making Of the nation, for he has
never awaited himself Of his privilege as a
voter In the house Of lords except once, and
that was upon the deceased wife's sister bill.
His reputation is not as politician, but for
being polite. He remembers faces; he has rare
tact; he is easy and unstudied in his manner,
In short, he has dropped all that lofty car
riage which is as indispensable to other
European princes Of the blood as a ramrod Is
to al old flint lock musket.