KING GEORGE V.

Evening Star, Issue 20056, 22 December 1928, Page 6

KING GEORGE V.

From the statements that are coming to hand now it is clear that the illness of the King was even more severe than had generally been supposed. Members of the medical profession no doubt understood the exceeding gravity of the position, but the average lay mind naturally was not able to grasp to the full the implications of the bulletins that were issued. It is not too much to say that at one stage His Majesty’s life hung on a thread that was liable to snap at any moment. The bulletins that were published were neither misleading nor unduly pessimistic. They were couched in language that dejnon strated! the extreme danger that beset King George, but conveyed the assurance that he had a fighting chance for his life. From the authoritative survey issued from Buckingham Palace to the medical profession we understand more clearly the ordeal through which His Majesty has passed. Describing the second phase of the illpcss, reference is made to periods of delirium and exhaustion. We are told that it waa a clinical picture resembling that of a case of severe typhoid fever in the third and fourth week, but with the “added anxiety of attacks of dyspepsia and cyanosis, due to the-strain on the heart.” There were other . complies/--iions as well, so that, the words that.

were cabled from time to time about ‘'grave anxiety at the Palace” were understating rather than exaggerating tho position, Fortunately the King was able to command tho very best medical attention. Physicians and surgeons who have tested the very latest discoveries bearing on diseases or the kind from which His Majesty is suffering 1 were able to devote themselves with unremitting care to tho case.

At me moment the gates ot hope are open. Five doctors have signed a bulletin containing the cheering words: “•We are happy W state that the King's progress is now more firmly established.” It has to be borne in mind, however, that the danger line is not yet passed. The physicians say that they cannot have complete confidence in the issue, because the Royal patient is in such a weak condition and , the exhaustion is so profound that the possibility of a sot-back cannot entirely be ruled out. But the fact that five consecutive bulletins report progress is a cheering sign. A wave of optimism has replaced one that was at least gravely apprehensive.. The prevailing feeling was expressed this week by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, who said: “We cannot get on without George V., who has been an example to us all and a most valuable head at the time of great crisis through which we have been passing.” And the bishop added: ‘‘l personally feel that the great blow is not going to fall.” The country has reacted quickly to the good news of the last few days, and loss' that faced an army of tradespeople will be averted. Christmas of 1928, which threatened to he spent in an atmosphere of acute anxiety, will now take on its accustomed joyous note. His Majesty has., been ill for a full thirty days. His sufferings have been great, but be has endured them with characteristic courage and fortitude There is a long, uphill fight yet before complete recovery can come. Always there is the chance of a settback, but the omens are fa/Durable, and throughout the Empire there will bo a feeling of relief and thankfulness that he who rules it so wisely and so unostentatiously is in a condition that encourages the hone of a return to normal health.