The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-04
17kA QUEEN OF ENGLAND As A PRO
TECJJONIST.

A writW i'm Harper's Weekly, signing
himself "Ex-Diplomat," ana evidently
well-informed, gives most pleasing ac-
count of the late Gen. Sir Henry Ponson-
by, who for the past ewtnty-five years has
held the post OF which the official desig-
nation is Private Secretary TO the Queen
and Privy Purse, but who has really
been her confidential adviser upon every
conceivable subject of action.
During the life of the Prince Consort
he performed all the functions of such
an agent and adviser, but eight years al
ter his death. Sir Henry Ponsonby, who
had distinguished himself in The Crimean
war, was selected by the queen as her
confidential adviser. Ills duties. up 10
his recent death, were of the most multi
farous. important. ana diverse ehatac-
ter. lie was her medium Tor communi-
eating with her Ministers; he read all
of her correspondence before II was
submitted TO her; he managed her large
private fortune; he interviewed all per-
sons seeking an audience with her Ma
iesty; he critically examined INTO All the
appeals being made to her at ali times 10
be interested in charities, OF TO give aid
10 the deserving. who generally proved
To be impostors; and last, but not least,
1t fell TO his lot TO settle The differences
amongst the members OF the royal fam
ily. OF which there are a far greater num-
Der than the world has any idea. Sir
Henry's good nature and tact may he
Judged OF b. the fact that he has sieered
his way through all these troubled wa
ters. and preserved nevertheless the
goodwill and friendship OF every men,
Der of thc royal family. The following
extract from "ExD Diplomats" letter VIII
show how important IL is 10 have man
OF Sir Henry's sagacity ana experience
always near the Queen:
1t Is greatly to the credit of Sir Henry
that throughout his twenty-five years
OF administration of her Majesty's chart
ties, only one error should nave been
made. and that during his absence on
leave. 1t was when The Queen, who is
far more inpulsiVe than she is usually
given credit for being, sent subscription
to the fund being raised by Editor stead.
OF the Pail Mail Gazette. 10 enable Miss
Valerie Wiedmann. the soi-disant Ger
man goVerness, TO contiue legal proceed
ings against the present Earl OF Oxford
FOR breach of promise. Subsequent IN
yestigation In court brought TO light the
fact that the action was wholly UNI
Unsuitable piece OF persecution. and the
plaintiff an adventures of questionable
antecedents, ana wholly unworthy or
the sympathy OF either the Queen
or the public. But Sir Henry was
fortunately by the side of the Queen
when she was asked 10 contribute
to the fund raised Tor the so-cailed
unemployed. few years ago. and 1t was
in Difference to his advice. given as
the result of careful inquiry, that she
| declined to contribute "A single penny,
| thereby earning the gratitude OF all
| those who were shrewd enough to per-
| celve that the money was destined, not
! for the bona fide laboring classes and
|, artisans. but merely for the professional
| paupers and idle tramps, who abound in
London In greater numbers than in any
! other capita. OF the world. Even sui
greater wariness did Sir Henry have to
! employ in connection with the
| distribution OF the Queens boun-
| ~ TO mothers who had given birth
| TO trpiets. Ever since the Queen as
| cended the throne she has been IN the
| habit OF sending gift OF money IN such
| cases as these. But before transmitting the
| money. accompanied invariably by let
| ter " siy Henry's own hsna~ris'ns- u