The new era., 1910-05-19
CAREER OF EDWARD VII.
KING OF GREAT BRITAIN

ties well. But the deadly monotony
OF such q life was too much for the
vigorous man. and he found relaxa-
tion in amusements that frequently
gave rise to scandals and that gave
the world 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 Paris and often
visited that gay capital incognito.
The Riviera and Biarritz likewise were
familiar with the face of the prince of
Wales.
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 1t.
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 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 culti-
waited the most friendly relations with
vyEo hnJr Int
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 men,
bers of the liberal party did much to
counterbalance in the public mind
Queen Victorias preference for her
conservative ministers. 1t 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.
4 As a 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 steady
ing effect on all Europe. He looked
with amused tolerance on the va
garies 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 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. whicE
he had always had. he gained their
admiration and respect. They had the
utmost confidence In his good judg-
ment, as was amply exemplifled 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 we're
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 8. 1865. succeeds to the
throne. The other children are:
Princess Louisa Victoria, married to
the duke of Fife; Princess Victoria
Alexandra; Princess Maude Charlotte,
married to Prince Charles OF Dem
mark, and Prince Alexander John.
who died the day after his birth in
1871.