Omaha daily bee., 1901-02-03

months later he was killed at Berkeley
castle. Thus terminated one OF the most
miserable reigns in English history, reign
OF defeats, dlsappontments and dishonor
Third of the Line.
Edward III was but II years old when
he was proclaimed king, and Roger Morti-
rner practically controlled the ship OF state.
Mortimers arrogance made him unpopular,
however, and in 1880 he was sent to the
tower and later executed at Tyburn. About
the same time Edward concluded treaty
with Scotland in which he agreed to ac-
knowledge the independence of that country
in consideration of a payment to England
Of $1,000 annually The treaty was so un-
popular that two years later he secretly
aided Baliol to reach the Scotch throne.
The following year. when Baliol was de-
posed, he invaded Scotland. defeated the
Scots at Halidan hill, annexed all Scotland
south Of the Forth and made Baliol titular
king OF the remaining portion. Edward now
rested in peace for a few years, but in
1886 again turned his attention to the Scotch
and ravaged and destroyed the country as
far as Aberdeen. In 1888 he invaded
France but returned without accomplish
ing any results. In 1910 he defeated the
French fleet off Sluys, and again invaded
their country, laying siege to Tour
mai. Money difficulties compelled him to
raise the siege however, and after conclud-
ing nine months truce with the French
king he returned to England to devote some
attention to the eXchequer. Again in 1912,
with his finances in little better shape, he
crossed the channel. but the pope inter
ceded TO prevent the threatened conflict and
Edward made his third return to England
empty handed from France. He did not
| RnCt 4.
menced another diversion against the peace
and dignity OF his royal neighbor, and this
time accomplished something, for he won
the battle OF Crecy ana captured Calais
Two years later he established a truce with
France. The same year the black death al
most depopulated England and made the
adjustment OF serfdom possible. In 1855
another Invasion OF France was made, which
| terminated with the treaty OF Bretigny, in
which Edward reinquished his claims to the
French throne. The balance of his reign Is
only interesting because of the deeds of his
son, Edward, the Black Prince. Despite his
frequent invasions OF France and his notable
victories at Crecy and Calais, the French
king had steadily encroached on his contl-
mental dominions and Edwards power had
about run its course He died in 1877. Ed
ward accomplished little during his reign
"h' 10 SN"iNOly NuItNy tl ne praise lndt mas
been bestowed upon him. Whatever ad-
ditional liberties he accorded the people was
due entirely TO his pressing money dihlcul-
ties. He began his campaigns with much
pomp and ceremony but he seldom had any
definite aim in them and his victories were
Isolated affairs productive of but little
good. What glory there is in his reign be-
longs rather to the people than to the king.
Fighting for spoiIs.
The fourth Edward had apparently bur
little chance OF reaching the throne of
England when he was born, in l4i1, but in
1860 his father, the duke OF York was made
regent by an act OF Parliament because Of
the incspacity OF Henry " and declared
heir to the throne in event ne allowed the
king TO finish his reign unmolested. child
had Just been born to Queen Margaret, how
ever and this act OF Parliament did not
please her. She accordingly marched
against the duke OF York and defeated and
killed him at Wsreham. Edward was in
Wales at the time, but on hearing OF the
death OF his father he at once marched
against the queen and defeated her at Nor
timers Pass in 1861. The queen rallied
her forces and succeeded in defeating Ed
ward at st. Albans. Edward managed to
join forces with the earl OF Warwick how
ever, aud defeated the queen at the battle
OF Towton. Margaret fed to France but
made two demonstrations against Edward