Evening star., 1936-01-22
RESPONSIBILITY TREMENDOUS.
Young King Must Hold World Wide
Dominion Together.

BY the Associated Press.
King Edward VIII-who until the
fateful Monday just passed was Brit
aims Prince of Wales-faces the most
tremendous responsibility that has
been thrust on any ruler of history on
assumption of throne.
In this comparatively young and
untried King rests, more than in any
other individual or group, the trust OF
perpetuating the British Empire.
On him depends to a large degree
the holding or the losing of the
greatest heritage that ever has de-
scended. to royal heir in the way
OF domains and peoples-a union of
dominions which encompasses a quar-
ter of the population of the globe.
Monarch Only Bond.
This is so because the British mon
arch is now literally the only bond
barring sentiment or treaties-which
holds the various dominions together
and to England.
Thinking in terms of empire" one
Is inclined to overlook the fact that
since the World War the dominions
have been accorded the status of alb
sOlute sovereignty and equality in all
things with the mother country.
They are autonomous communities
within what has been designated as
the British Commonwealth of Ma
tlons. England cannot dictate to
them in any way; she occupies ex-
actly the same position as do they.
Common allegiance to the crown is
what unites them.
Such is the problem with which
young King Edward must struggle in
these parlous times, when nationalism
is the slogan of the universe. His
father, to be sure. had the same
problem to handle, but only for few
brief years and those lying within
the richness of his long experience of
diplomacy.
How can the new King achieve the
goal Of continued unity? The answer
lies in the soundness of his own in
tuition. which must trespass on the
realm of genius; in his personality
and persuasiveneSs, which fortunately
are supremely good; in his sound
common sense In selecting governors
general and other advisers who will
not go wrong.
The British people hold it fortu-
nate that Edward comes to the throne
with better all-around training than
any previous heir. He lacks some
Of the knowledge and experience
which his father had gained through
his active threescore years and ten but
the son has a more intimate first
hand acquaintance with the many
peoples under his rule than had the
father. Edward, as Prince of Wales,
visited virtually every part of the
empire, and many other countries as
well-a privilege denied George v.
Edward is personally acquainted
with thousands of people, representing
all classes, in each of his dominions.
He has achieved the distinction of
being called the liked young man
in the world.
People like him instinctively. They
are captivated by his famous smile,
his gracious manner, his alert mind
and his unfailing thought for those
IN need or distress. Prince Charming
- what the world has called him.
The second great role which Edward
will play will lie in that indefinable
influence which he may exercise on
his cabinet and its policies. Theoret-
ically, the King is not supposed to
interfere in affairs of state, but prac-
tically he may WELD great power.
King George v did, as did his father,
Edward VII.
Those who know Edward we'll say
there is small doubt that he will be
. forceful monarch, probably more so
than 1,ia I,o1nvod father