The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1952-02-22
Just Among Ourselves


The nv boys who catch history on the fly gave
us many glimpse of both the official and the popu
lar todo associated with the death and burial of
king Even the uncrowned Edward VIII now Duke
of Windsor, looked faggardly at and spoke to us
briefly he embarked, alone, to take part in his
brothers obsequies But the great democracy speak
ing through its pert and persistent weekly reviews
had small space for the resigned monarch although
it gave generous paragraphs to more remote and
rusty rulers who well unremembered.
The deeencies of the moment seem to have kept
the reporters silent on the subject of the affair
which occasioned Edwards abjuration and the acces
sion of George VI to the throne of England. One
paper merely mentioned the fact that the fine manl
of the late king had restored the luster of roy
atty which had been tarnished" by the abdcation of
his brother. We single reference (abeit our
poll was less complete than the Camel survey of puff
ing physcians) to the possibility-stated as fact
in Edwards recent, and popular, autobiography
that the abdication not alone the fruit of 'ro-
nance" but also of the conscientious unwillingness
of man to take coronation oath which he could
not sincerely mean and to position of spir-
itual leadership which can be no more than an
anomaly and a vague pretense,
But decencies of the moment did not keep silent
many false and fatuous references to the first Eliza.
beth, as thoughts and words turned suddenly from
and capable Churchill unfortunate enough TO
bunder into pompous hypocrisy about 'the mag
nficent figure who presided and, in many ways,
embodied and inspired the grandeur and genius
of the Elizabethan age" 1t is regrettabe that clean
and estmable young monarch should be sauated at
her ascension by hollow and rotund insult deriving
solely from her Christian name.
Was it decency that kept our papers silent upon
the English Monarchs oath of accession? Where
were 0xnams and the Blanshards? Where were the
lads and ladies who grow shr at the very mention
of the union of Church and State? Was there no
dedicated soul, no painting defender of democracy,
10 squeak objection against the defender of the
faith? How comes it that there outcry against
the solemn declaration of the monarch that she is
Protestant and will to it that only Protestants
succeed her in office? Are valiant and bulvoiced
champions of liberty afraid of this challenge? All
silent? All quite chopfallen?
And what of that solemn idiocy which expects
Engand's ruler TO assume with oath and vow the
headship of a Church which is a conflict and con-
tradicton? To be "head of the church" means that
the monarch is an Anglican in England and Pres
byteran in Scotland. And if anyone should suggest
that after ALL Anglicanism and Presbyteranism are
one he ought to read up little in the more vtrioc
statements of Doctor Samuel Johnson. Decidedly,
this is a matter upon which the American reader
has right to word from his editors, review
him on every other subject,
Is there not one among the irrepressible trainers
of our opinion to notice that Edward had point in
his objection Of kngly office? Must all rest con-
tent in the notion that shoddly romantic motives
the full explanation of his rejection of kingshp?
II is surely conceivable that man should find an
impossible and stutifying oath absolute barrier
to the accepting Of high position Is the word lin
telligence" meaningless? Is there no longer any
force in the word morality" Yet you will the
eopious reviews with microscope and find no ref
erence to this mudded matter.
Long ago the prophet of God declared that desc
lation comes upon the earth because men do not
think in their hearts. Desolaton has come indeed
and the world Is distressed and weary How much
Of our trouble. think YOU stems from the fact that
and nations refuse to think refuse to face facts
and rush into oaths, promises. plans and programs
which ignore sane reason and plain morals? How
can an accession oath or coronation oath which
involves radical injustice and places the juror ir
an utterly impossible and contradictory situation be
considered merely matter of form? Yet it is 50
considered because il would mean inconvenience tc
face up TO its true character with desolaton is the
world made desolate
And We have had no word from the parties who
lately made such fuss about President Trumani
plan for sending an American ambassador to thu
Holy See Strange for it douby Objectionable Il
have an ambassador at the court of monarch wh'
is the head of two churches. Is there no to or
ganze march on Washington, complete witt
placards denouncing the presence of an American
ambassador at the court Of st. James? How can tn
"separastS' stand this situation? Not pin from
them2 Not a squeak Nothing at all from the pip
squeaks?
Well. may fine and estimable young woman b
good and gracious queen. May her rule be blessed
despite the fact that her accession involves n;
tional situation of moral obtuseness and ments
stupidity-a real London fog.