New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-05
KINGS LIFE THE GAME
Speculation in Policies on Edsoards
Health Cause of Lying Rumors.

In order to understand the object Of tho rumors
which are constantly being circulated regarding
the health of King Edward. II is necessary to eH-
plain that an enormous speculative business Is
done in England In insurance policies on his life
have been informed that the insurance laws OF
this country do not admit of the issue of policies
such as are being constantly taken out In England
on King Edwards life by people who have no con-
nection whatsoever with him. and who merely In
sure his life for the benefit of the holder of the
Poicy as an Investment, or rather specula-
uon or course. when the King is reported to be
III the business in the policies taken out I'm the
English and other European companies on his life
becomes exceedingly brisk and they sold at big
premiums by their holders. whereas II he Is report
ed well and as likely to live for long number Of
years the prices go down
similar trade done during the lifetime Of
queen Victoria in insurance policies on her life.
and on the occasion of the ceremonies in connec-
ton with the celebration of her two jublees every
contractor who put up stand in the London
street. for the purpose OF selling seats thereon
loyal citizens anxious to witness the passage the
magnificent pageants considered 1t necessary to
insure the life of her majesty. at any rate to tho
amount OF the cost of his timber and labor, so as
10 guard himself against loss IN case OF her death
before the tubfee celebration took place.
lhst Is the true meaning and purport of tho
constant reports which being circulated IN
England regarding the health Of the sovereign. He
Is perfectly aware OF the extent to which his life
Is an object of speculation to people TO whom his
death would mean the accession to wealth through
the payment of tho policies which they hold upon
mis- life and 1t is because he resents this and does
not wish to promote assist in any way the
speculative operations of these individuals warming
TOT MS demise that he insists upon much secrecy
being observed by his encourage about the condt-
ton of his health
1t Is not generally known that In Great Britain Il
Is criminal offence. known as "nispr,son," to
issue or circulate false reports concerning the
eaith or the sovereign. It Is IN fact petty trea-
eon' ehtalilng fine and Imprisonment. But neither
Edward VII nor his mother. Queen Victoria have
ever cared TO avail themselves of its provisions.
and the last instance of any being to jail
Ior n1sprison" was that of unfortunate Lon
don alderman at the beginning Of the nineteenth
century, who had publicly expressed the opinion
that the King-Geo-ge III-was cracked which in
deed he really was. King Edward contents himself
with instantly dismissing from his service any of
his household who discuss his health with outsid-
ers. or who circulate information concerning IT..
Were It not for the knowledge that It is subject
for financial speculation. he would be entirely In
different to what people said about IT, and 1t is a
mistake to ascribe to him undue constituencies
about the matter.
None of the latter are secure from their honli-
cidal activity. One would think that Queen Mar
guerfte, always noted for her goodness OF heart
and for her boundless charity, longer occupying
a throne and bereaved of her husband through his
any violence at their hands. But one is immune
from their knives. their pistols. or their bombs.
and It is entirely owing to fear of attempt
upon her life by the italian anarchists this side
OF the Atlantic that King Victor Emmanuel has
induced his mother to abandon the American tour
upon which she had set her heart
Possibly he has been prompted in the matter by
q private hint from the American government
For It is secret in the diplomatic chenceIleries
and at the courts abroad that the United States
government wishes to discourage In every possible
way visits OF the members OF the reisning houses
OF Europe to America, partly because there no
public funds available for their suitable entertain
ment, but chiefly because IT feels that 1t cannot,
under existing circumstances, assume the respon-
sibility for the adequate protection of its royal
guests.
That the anarchists are ready 20 siay royal per-
sonages who have no share voice in the ruler
ship OF their country and who for their ttuiar
rank are to all intents and purposes mere private
citizens, is shown by the fact that the Duke OF
Orleans slated for death at the hands of Luc-
chen who afterward murdered Empress Elizabeth
OF Austria, woman quite innocent OF any po-
litical persecution of sovereign tyranny and as
celebrated for her boundless charity as Queen
Marguerite.