The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1910-05-13

ties well. But the deadly monotony
OF such life was too much for the
vigorous man, and he found relaxa-
ton In amusements that frequently
the world a wrong impression of his
real character. He was especially
fond of the theater and among his
boon companions for years were &C
tresses and actors. Also he devel-
oped great liking for Pans and often
visited that gay capital incognito.
The Riviera and Barritz likewise were
familiar with the face OF the prince Of
Wales.
But all this. as has been said. was
to the throne his conduct always was
so circumspect that not the most cap
tious critic could find any fault with 1t.
Edward was always a liberal patron
Of art and science and manifested q
lively interest in exhibitions. chari-
table institutions, the housing of the
poor. agriculture and other matters
that concerned the welfare OF his sub
jects. He assisted In promoting the
Royal College of Music, and the In
perial institute was due to his sug-
gestion. While prince OF Wales he
carefully abstained from participation
in politics and from all action that
could be construed into preference of
one party over another. He cult
waited the most friendly relations with
public men. whatever their opinions
| might be. and he was equally cour-
teous to all. At peculiar crises Of pub
lie opinion his visits to Mr.. Gladstone
Mr.. Bright and other prominent mem.
:! beers of the liberal party did much to
counterbalance In the public mind
Queen Victoria's preference for her
| conservative ministers. II was said
that Edward always inclined to the
nationalists in Irish politics. but con-
stitutional restrictions prevented his
showing his preferences In relation to
the Emerald isle.
As diplomat Edward was unex-
celled among the monarchs OF Europe.
His influence was always thrown to
the side of International peace where
compatible with national honor, and
his advice and example had a steady
ing effect on all Europe. He looked
with amused tolerance on the va
carries and extravagances Of his neph-
ew. the emperor of Germany. but oc-
casionally that ruler exasperated him
to such an extent that he could not
refrain from giving him some stern
advice. Such admonition was not re-
ceived by William In a submissive
spirit. and once in a while there were
sensational rumors that the peaceful
relations between the two countries
were about to be ruptured.
The development Of the kings char,
acter in his later years was espe.
cially gratifying to the nation. In ad,
dition to the love of his people. which
he had always had. he gained their
admiration and respect They had the
utmost confidence In his good judg
ment. as was amply exemplified dur
ing the late crisis over the budget
and they were always sure he would
do the right thing at the right time
To Edward and Alexandra were
born six children. The first. Prince
Albert, duke of Clarence. died In 1882
aged twenty-eight years. The second
George Frederick Ernest Albert. born
on June 3. 1865. succeeds to the
throne. The other children are:
Princess Louisa Victoria. married te
the duke of Fife: Princess Victoris
Alexandra: Princess Maude Charlotte
married to Prince Charles Of Den
mark, and Prince Alexander John
who died the day after his birth IN
1871.