Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-15

and his father, Ferdinand; to eulogize
the sacred heritage" of Rumania's
soldier dead; to plead for a well chosen
cry: Forward march and to work.
Greater kings have made far poorer
speeches than this.
Cynics Have Another Query.
There was also a touching reference
to his little son Michael, whom at
that moment he was deposing from
the throne. "This is the end of the
greatest affection have had to en-
dure during my years in exile. At last
I have found again my dear son whom
I can rear, with all my love, in the
sentiments of his illustrious ancestors"
Again the cynicS might ask whether
Carols past had given proof of such
a great love as that. Again there might
be the temptation to ponder as to where
sincerity began and ended in such emo
tional phrases as these. But once more
it must be admitted that, for that
particular occasion, the words were well
chosen.
In all this speech Carol made one
error-that one, believe. a serious mis-
take. With the door open for such
course, Carol neglected to pay any public
tribute to the woman who had stood
faithfully by and loved and cared for
the boy king. He did not SO much as
mention the Princess Helen by word or
by inference. Technically, it was a grave
mistake. 1t could not fail to be re-
marked by thousands of RumanianS who
love and respect Helen.
Moment Called for Generosity.
Undoubtedly they still feel that Carol
at that moment could well have afford
ed to be gracious and generous toward
his divorced wife, the mother of Mi
chael. Even on the low basis of good
policy, such an act would have won
Carol many friends. 1t would seem that
he must have known that. Perhaps
the fact that he spurned this oppor-
tunity means that Carol preferred to
be honest in his most personal emotions.
Even so, his decision in this matter
already has cost him dearly in the
effort to achieve reconciliation with
Helen.
Some who have known Carol will see
in this incident of omission the evil
dence of certain logged stubbornness
in Carols character. When his mind
is made up, especially on matters of
domestic affairs. he is not to be pushed.
Yet stubbornness in his attitude to-
ward Helen. if it is that. is one thing
that many believe the King can i'll af-
ford to pursue.
This incident is important because it
relates to the one obvious weakness in
Carols budding record as King. Ills
domestic trouble with Helen is the only
serious Shortcoming in Carols conduct
to date and, of course, that is a two
SIDED question. The responsibility may
not be all on one side.
Carols New Qualities Surprise.
Aside from this, even the most crit
ical must admit that Carol has COM
menced his reign auspiciously. He has
displayed certain qualities of decision,
diplomacy, energy and Shrewdness which
most people never dreamed he possessed.
Either the King does possess these quail
itles TO a considerable degree or he has
been remarkably well advised and
coached.
To these qualities should be added
the remark that Carol has proved him
self clever "emotionalist." big Bill"
thompson himself could scarcely play
TO the electorate with a more deft
touch than Carol has done in his
speeches and his proclamations. Ameri-
can politicians might read, with envy
and misty eyes, the words of the Kings
FIRST proclamation published on the day
ne assumed power and addressed to the
soldiers of the army, the air and the
marine.
Il experience an inexpressible Joy"
said Carol, Ito find myself today in the
midst of my dear <>Sldiers, to whom
am so closely attached by long years of
toll From the beginning to the end of
my four years of exile, my thoughts
have never ceased to turn toward my
dear soldiers" And then, 81 ask this
day of each man to stand firm and I'M
shakable around the throne and to work
with courage and love- as you have
sworn to do. Good health, my children.
Given at Bucharest, June 8. 1890
CAROL"
Shows Determination to Work.
Perhaps such phrases as these would
evoke in some persons unpleasant
memories of certain events in Rumania
during the war. Perhaps. again, people
might be tempted to take a skeptical
smile. Yet, the fact is that one of
Carols firmest rocks in Rumania is his
unquestioned popularity with the army,
and one is forced to conclude there
must be some reason for that. One is
also forced to conclude that this new
King has some knowledge of mass
psychology and Of the expert manipu-