The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-24

The formal proclamation of Albert Ed
ward. as King of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and ireland and Emperor
of India, under the title of Edward VII,
in London yesterday, brings Us face to
face with new era in British history.
What fate holds in store for the Empire
under the seeptre of the great Queens
immediate successor, no living man would
venture to predict. Like the Victorian.
the present era may be one of splendid
achievement in the arts of peace. in let
tiers and in British contribution to the
sum of human development and advance
ment. But this cannot be certain. There
are clouds on the horizon of Europe that
may presage trouble and possibly some
measure of disaster tc Great Britain; or
they may pass away without breaking.
Fortunately for the British people. it
is no wealSling who comes 10 the throne
at this juncture; but cool, level-head-
ed parsonage of extremely good political
and diplomatic ability and culture, and
one who is sure to be a help and not a
hindrance to the Ministry. King Edward
VII may not possess the personal infu-
ence of his predecessor over the princes
and potentates of Europe; but he is not
without much of it As Prince of Wales,
on more than one occasion his services
were utilized in delicate missions of di-
plomacy to Continental Courts. As heir
apparent, Of course, his light was neces
sarily hidden, and, beyond the immediate
circle of his personal friends. little has
been known concerning his title to be
regarded as a statesman. But those who
know him well. assert that King Edward
is man of excellent business capacity
and training. an organizer, administrator.
and wise politician.
With these gifts Edward VII should be
able to serve his country with credit and
honor. In the days to come. which
promise to be loaded with grave and
sometimes menacing economic and inter
national questions, it will be well If the
occupant of the throne is a leader of
thought in his Empire, rather than a
mere igdrehead. And the new King, who
is person of famous common sense, ac-
cording TO all authorities, will very likely
fill the high station to which he has been
called as well as another could. Those
who fancy that he will establish frivolous
and pleasure-loying court most probably
will find themselves mistaken. The
prineely chrysalis has been broken and
discarded. and It is a mature and we'll
grizzled head that wears England's crown.
Having in mind the seriousness OF the
Empires position, and the burdens under
which its commerce and its toiling masses
struggle to bear up against a whole
worlds competition, We are inclined to
think that the new court life. under Ed
ward VII will be sober and decorous
though brighter than Queen Victoria's
SORROWS had permitted it to be since the
death OF the Prince Consort.
Whatever may be thought in other
countries. the American people cannot
avoid a feeling of satisfaction that Great
Britain's present sovereign is one whose
friendship for this country and it's cit
liens is thoroughly genuine and well
known. The fact is one which will make
for peace and good relations. should there
be misunderstanding between the two ma
tons at any time. So. with hearty good
viii. Americans can say: Long live the
English KING"