The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1890-08-30
THE PRINCE OF WALES.


L
| Plays in Engiish Life.
Those II the United States who think
that the present reign In England will
be the last, and that its end will be the
beginning there OF q republican form
of government, deceive themselves and
their prophecies OF impending dissolu-
tion for the throne are not based upon
any close study of the contemporary
facts. 1t Is true, indeed, that there Is
much, and perhaps an increasing public
opinion favorable to an abolition OF the
kingship, but 1t Is by no means so great
or increasing so rapidly as we in Ameri-
ca are inclined to believe. Now and
then-as for example, when the eX-
penses of the royal family have to be
voted in the House of Commons = the
canny Englishman will grumble, but his
grumblings quickly subside, and mean
comparatively little. We here, too, are
given to arguing that the uselessness'
the purely ornamental character OF the
throne must result in the determination
to do away with 1t rs an expensive
luxury. That the throne is simply or
namental is shown with pellucid clear
ness in an article by Mr.. Justin McCar-
thy in the North American Review.
The article is very accurate and very
just description OF the Prince of Wales
and of the part he plays in English life.
That part is nothing more nor less than
that of an unofficial minister of cere-
monial." And his chief quality in his
publicllife is his unfailing tact, his per-
ception of the narrow limits within
4 L. Aa ,ntt N
fact he is limited almost entirely TO
making himself useful as presiding
officer at public meetings and dinners.
He may be costly, but he is entirely in
nocoous, and he undoubtedly is orna-
mental and popular. The English peo-
pie are practical people. There are
many matters which need immediate
settlement. Why as practical men
should they delay the settling OF press
ing problems to attend to the deposit
ton of Prince who, il no is doing no
special good, is certainly doing no harm.
There will, we can imagine them saying
as practical men, be time enough to at
tend to him when he gets troublesome.
And we may be pretty sure that ii he
should grow troublesome, he would
find himself put to rights in very short
order, indeed.
Mr.. Mccarthy asls-and the question
admits OF but one answer-what would
the British public think Of Prince OF
Wales who should attempt to control
affairs as the young Emperor of the
Germans is doing? A Prince who at
tempted to take part in politics as
Princes of England have done in the
past, and as the Emperor of the Germans
is doing to-day. would not be tolerated
in contemporary England. The tact OF
the present Prince of Wales in not
allowing himself to become partisan
is one of the chief bulwarks of his
position, and so long as he does not
meddle he will not be meddled with.
He will become King some day, perhaps,
and if he does he will perform the
functions OF his position with dignity
and grace, and no one will think seri-
ously of deposing him. The natural
English conservatism will preserve the
regal position so long as its occupants
are not annoying. We can confidently
predict that it will not be so when and
while the present Prince Of Wales shall
hold it. Further than that no man can
say, but it largely depends on the tact
of his successors. AS matter of fact,
the question whether or not England
shall become republican is much more
burning" here than in England. 1t
would flatter our pride and confirm our
belief--which by the way does not need
confirming-in our own form Of govern
ment to see England adopt it. But
there is at present no crying need for
the change, although it will doubtless
occur some day.-Boston Advertiser.