Evening star., 1936-11-14
Simpson
Continued From First Page.)

King, at FIRST it had the effect Of max
ing him more headstrong than ever,
His attitude was that, so long as he
discharged his public functions faith
fully, his private affairs were his own
business, and he would not tolerate
interference or unsolicited advice.
Baldwin, the Archbishop of Canter-
bury. Queen Mary. the Duchess OF
York and the Duchess Of Kent were
variously reported to havs failed to
change the Kings mind.
But at last the Kings mind has
been changed, and. of all things, the
American press is credited with in
fiuencing him, however unwittingly.
Sir Godfrey Thomas. one of the
Kings secretaries, has been devoting
much Of his time lately to collecting
Simpson stories from the American
press, and it has become almost a
full-tine job. Buckingham Palace
was Mortified when clippings arrived
showing American newspapers devot-
ing columns to king Edward will
Marry Mrs. Simpson" yarns, and even
fixing the wedding date as next June.
The fact that some of the American
Journals broke the news In gigantic
headlines that monopolized Page /
did not ease the shock.
King Sees Clippings.
In due time the Thomas collection
Of clippings from Americas white,
yellow, pink and green press was sub
mitted to the king. Edward. who.
unlike his attendants, has a sense OF
humor, was amused, but. even so, he
realized that his private affairs could
not be kept private, at least in
America.
He was impressed also when his
friends informed him that the ro-
nance, although suppressed by Fleet
Street and the British Broadcasting
Corp, was common gossip in every
Belgravia drawing room and at every
Mayfair cocktail party.
The King was told that not only
was his own popularity here and
abroad being undermined, but the
future of Britain's monarchial system
was being jeopardized and that he
alone could save 1t.
Talked It Over.
Presumably Edward talked 1t over
with Mrs. Simpson. Anyway. it Is now
understood that both have agreed
to forget about marriage. and have so
notified the interested parties. Mrs.
Simpson Is said to have met the King
half way in their decision. To seal
the bargain, Mrs. Simpson may 60
abroad in the near future.
Mrs. Simpson remains Edwards
closest friend. Those who opposed
her marriage to the King conce0e
that she has been a real friend and
adviser to him. Whereas the King
Is high-strung nervous and tenn
peramental, Mrs. Simpson Is calm.
soothing. almost motherly. From his
courtiers Edward could expect only
fiattery. From Mrs. Simpson he got
the plain truth as she saw 1t. When
he asked for advice. she did not hesi-
tate to speak out.
It Is related that when Edward set
out from Sandringham to walk miles
in the bitter cold behind the comm OF
his father. King George v. Mrs. simp.
son insisted that he wear q fur-hneo
coat.
"I haven't any," the King said.
"Well, your brothers have" Mrs.
Simpson answered.
The upshot was that Edward wore
his fathers own fur-lined coat. It
was too long for him, but 1t warded
OF the chill.
Mrs. Simpsons solicitude for the
King in such matters is said TO have
earned the gratitude Of Queen Mary.
who Is said to have no objection
to Mrs. Simpsons continuing as the
Kings friend so long as she does not
endanger the monarchy. e4
Many Englishmen hate to think OF
Edward abdicating. The Duchess Of
York would be welcomed g . Queen.
but the Duks Of York y . coloeless