KING EDWARD AND JOHN BRIGHT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 23, 27 January 1912, Page 19

KING EDWARD AND JOHN BRIGHT.

One of the least-known facts concerning John Bright was his friendship for the late King Edward. The retired life led by Qu«en Victoria after' the death of the Prince Consort was the subject ' of a good deal of incohsidsrate criticism. Tnis touched Bright's chivalry, arid/ thougli no great supporter of monarchy, at a public meeting he referred to tlie bereaved Queen, and declared thai in her time of sorrow it was her people's ddty to comfort, not to mticise, her. The next morning ne was surprised, to jrpceiVe. a .visit from the Prince of Walts'* private 'secretary, requesting him to call at Marlbc-rough House. He went, aiid^ met^ with a kind and,iriendly Reception, J ',:*■<. ' " After introducing him to the^rincesa, the Prince' took him .aside to, his own private r room/ "Mi*; Bright J',' he said, my purpose in asking you to see me. was to give rue the opportunity Of .personally thanking you for-, youi* kind -,Veferences to the Queen last night. -You. know that riowj wlien her heart is oppressed' with.-gri^f, she cannot take part .in public" or social functions. It troubles me that f cannot epeak publicly myself in her defence, as that might be misinterpreted. But a word from you, Ml 1 . Bright, goes very far, and I sincerely thank you.' May" 1 1 shake hands u-ith you, Mr. Bright; and will you grant me uhe privilege of counting you among 'niy personal friends?" "We phook hands," 6aid Bright, wheft telling of this meeting, "and have Remained close friends ever since."'