Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-26

Mr.. Robert T. Lincoln's Personal Rec
objections of Royal Patient

A Chicago dispatch to the New York
Herald says: Probably no person in Chi
cago is more grieved over the illness of
King Edward than is Mr.. Robert I. Lin
coin, who was minister to England under
President Harrison.
1T is very sad that a man of King Ed
wards good qualities should be stricken on
the eve of his corona ton" said Mr.. Lin
coin. During my four years residence in
London 1 became acquainted with him. He
was then Prince of Wales, and l met him
often. rather in social than official ways.
AS Prince of Wales he had practically moth
ing to do with the affairs of the govern
ment, and consequently he was known to
ambassadors and others in social capac-
ity purely. He was at that time happy,
clever man in every way. He knew about
everybody and everything. He has trav-
eled extensively and is exceedingly well in
formed.
The king, using this title now instead of
prince. is well known personally all over
England. He is a gentleman always At
social gatherings he usually attracts more
attention than anybody else. He is genial
and bright conversationalist. One of his
features is his smile. Though he is not
what he would call democratic, in a narrow
sense. he is not recluSive.
~ would not say that King Edward is
statesman. Members of the royal family
may not be considered in that light This
not for the reason that they do not pos
sess the ability, but because their position
does not require them to be adopts in
statecraft, nor is it required that they shall
participate actively in affairs of the govern
ment. King Edward is, of course, a men,
Der of the house of lords many times over
by right of his various titles, but he never
took an active part. l have seen him in the
house a number of times, but he always
occupied of the cross seats, which are
the seats reserved for disinterested persons
1 have no doubt, however, that he has
voted on different measures.
The Prince of Wales has absolutely no
official duties He may, perhaps, read over
state documents before they are signed,
but If he does it is in an unofficial, or,
rather, disinterested, capacity. AS king he
is the head of the government operated or
managed by the ministers. The phrase
that the king can do no wrong does not
mean that the king personally is Incapable
of wrongdoing, but that, inasmuch as all
documents or state papers must be signed
for the king by one or another of the min
listers. whatever wrong might be committed
would be by the ministers and not by the
monarch
Il remember the king when, as Prince of
Wales, he visited the United States. was
then a student in Harvard. He visited the
university. He and my father never met.
While l minister little incident
happened that showed the feeling he en-
tertained toward anybody whom he had
met favorably. Mr.. James Spencer, now
resident of Milwaukee, owned a large farm
near Dwight, ILL.,, in 1860. The farm was
In the center of a fine quail district, and it
was there that the prince was taken to
shoot the prize game. He stayed at Mr..
Spencer's place. When l was In London
Mr.. Spencer visited me. l had my secre-
tary, Mr.. White, write note to the princes
secretary telling him of Mr.. Spencers pres
ence in London. The prince replied imme
diately and requested Mr.. Spencer to visit
him without delay.
ITO me King Edward always appeared to
be a very strong man, mentally and physi-
cally. His life and age, however, are
against him in his present Illness
''In his capacity a social leader his
time has been occupied largely In dinners,
balls, parties and other pastimes and func-
tons that could not help wearing him. The
king comes from a family that has always
tried to better conditions.
Queen Alexandra is probably well known
personally to more persons in England than
the king. She Is not so closely related to
the reigning house of England, and for this
reason she has appeared more in public
than her royal conSort. She is a highly
cultivated woman. and at dinners and other
places where | have seen her she acted as
all other ladies of her station usually do
Just as one of the company.
THE kings eldest son. now heir appar-
ent is of different type from his father.
/ saw him often. He is of quiet, reticent
disposition.
Ambassadors from the United States do
not become so well acquainted with mem
bers of the royal families of England as do
representatives of other countries. This is
for the reason that the appointment as
minister TO England is regarded as the
highest position by all other countries and
when they are sent there 1t is usually for
life, while the representatives from this
country are liable to be changed with every
change in administration