Evening star., 1936-12-10

SIltcIS IdIlS bIllOuSIl IIlC Cll
II reminded him of what
brothers in years past. and that is
this: The crown in this country
through centuries has been deprived
of many of its prerogatives, but to-
day-while that is true-it stands fol
far more than it ever has done in its
history
"* It's integrity is not only
the last link of empire II
is a guarantee. so long as it exists in
that integrity, against the many evils
that have affected and afflicted other
countries"
In the tense House of Lords. the
venerable Archbishop of Canterbury
raised his voice to declare:
This Is an occasion when our
thoughts are too deep for tears, GER
tainly too deep for words"
Then the primate, united with
Baldwin against morganatic marriage
for the wearer of the crown, praised
the dignity, calmness and courage
Of the Queen mother.
Correspondence on Case.
Before he arose, Lord Halifax had
read to the peers the correspondence
which passed between cabinet and
King in which Baldwin and his min
listers vainly sought to change Ed
wards "irrevocable decision"
When he had finished, Baldwin, as
q sign of the concilliatory nature of
the Kings remuneration of his throne,
took out q penCiled note received from
Edward this morning.
1t was interpreted as the last word
from the sovereign.
The Duke of York and the King,
the note said. always have been on
the best terms as brothers. The King
Is confident the duke deserves, and
will receive, the support of the whole
empire"
The drama of the abdication an
nouncement was enacted in the mel
low, theatrical light reflected into
Commons from the high glass ceiling.
Outside the fog brought utter dark
ness. Londons streets were as at mid
night when the fateful word was
flashed to the world.
Actual Signing of Papers.
The actual abdication papers, it was
learned, were signed at Fort Belve-
dere at 10 am. today, with the hag-
gard brothers gathered around their
sovereign kinsman.
As the signatures were affixed, the
flag of the Duchy of Cornwall, which
had been flying over the fort since the
crisis began, was lowered on its staff.
Then 1t was raised-an indication,
some thought, that the King might re-
tain the title, Duke Of Cornwall.
Extra police were on duty outside
Commons, where the throngs took the
news in orderly fashion.
Inside the chamber, the spirit Of
the old cry: "The King is dead; long
live the Kingl" was evident as a great
roar greeted Baldwin's words: Let us
rally around the new King!"
At the Villa Lou Wei, at Cannes,
grief-bowed Lord Brownlow, Edwards
gentleman in waiting, told newspaper
men:
Mrs. Simpson has no statement.
There is no statement; there will be no
statement"
His head bent low, he turned back
coward the house.
Moves Adjournment.
Clement r. Attlee, leader of his
majestys opposition, moved adjourn
ment of Commons as soon as the
prime minister was through.
"In view Of the grave and impor-
tant nature of the communication re-
ceived from the King" the Labor
party went into immediate session to
formally decide its poliey-already a
foregone conclusion that it would be
with the prime minister.
The House of Lords received the
nnonarch's message in absolute silence.
The galleries there were occupied 80
per cent by women, their dress and
manner as those at funeral. Men
ton of Queen Mary brought tears to
the eyes of some Of the elderly peer
esses.
Lord Halifax, announcing Baldwin
was introducing immediate legisla-
ton giving effect to "his majesty's
wishes" added: 1T will be my duty
to ask your lordships, on the receipt
Of the bill from another place, to sus-
pend the necessary standing orders to
enable this House to similarly pass it
-" before we rise tomorrow"
The lord privy seal, shattering prec-
edent, next proposed that the Lords
meet Saturday afternoon to begin TAX
ing the oath of allegiance to the new
King.
The Lords rose at 4:3o pm, after q
dramatic session Of three quarters Of
an hour.
The Accession Council Is expected
to convene at st. James Palace on