The newspaper., 1910-05-13


current for several days. were con-
firmed by the postpoDement OF the
ceremony. 1t was announced that the
king was suffering from perityphlitis.
and on June "a he underwent an op-
Grafton After some weeks of the
greatest anxiety he recovered. and
the coronation took place August 8.
During the long years of his prince
hood Edwards public duties consisted
solely in the office of representing the
royal family at all manner OF public
events. and he performed these du-
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
gave rise to scandals and that gave
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 a great liking for Paris and often
visited that gay capital incognito-
But all this. as has been said. was
only his relaxation. and after coming
to the throne his conduct always was
so circumspect that not the most cap
tious critic could find any fault with H.
Edward was always 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 I'M
perial institute was due to his suE-
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 cultt
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
bers of the liberal party did much to
counterbalance in the public mind
Queen victoria's preference for her
Conservative ministers. II was saiA
that Edward always inclined to the
Nationalists in Irish politics. but COZ
stitutional restrictions prevented his
showing his preferences in relation 10
the Emerald Isle.
As a diplomat Edward was unexceL
led among the monarchs of Europe.
His influence was always thrown -
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 oe-
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 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 especially
gratifying to the nation. In addition
to the love of his people. which be
had always had. he gained their ad.
miration 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 1892,
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 IL
1871.