CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

Evening Star, Issue 22514, 5 December 1936, Page 17

CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

KING’S MATRIMONIAL AFFAIRS Outlook More Hopeful Acceptable Proposal Under Consideration Dominions to be Consulted Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright , _ I tONDON, December "4. In well-informed quarters there are indications that, as a ,result of last night’s events, when the King was in touch with his mother and his brothers, as well as Mr Baldwin, the situation has been considerably ameliorated. It is believed 7 that a proposal which it is hoped will be acceptable to all concerned is imHer consideration. Mr Baldwin will consult the dominions to-day. It is unlikely that any public pronouncement will he made, to-day,^

STRANGE DAY ENDS KING’S MOVEMENTS CLOSELY ■ GUARDED MYAL CINBULTATMNS AT PALACE r !, LONDON, December 4. ■ The King’s movements last evening were closely guarded by police motor cyclists,' who about 7.30 p.m. ordered ill . motorists to keep moving and get well - clear, of the gates. Then the guards swung the barrier at the side entrance aside and the King’s black saloon car emerged, travelling at a great speed. Simultaneously the State car'was swiftly driven out of the main gates towards London. The occupant was not known, but according to' one account it "was' Mrs Simpson.' I - u -- f • Meanwhile ' throngs'- assembled" [at Buckingham Palace' in the hope .of seeing His Majesty, hilt the police 1 continually kept them moving. The King drove iH by the side gate. The crowd l waited for two hours and did hot know of his arrival until a police announcement, whereupon the people dispersed.

The Duke of York arrived shortly before'the King and went to His Maprivate room and awaited his brother, with whom he had 20 minutes’ conversation, after which he drove to Marlborough House. Previously the : Duke and Duchess of York had over" an hour’s conference' with the' Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke and Duchess of Kent. The next visitor to the palace in a series of dramatic consultations was Mr Baldwin, whose face was grave and set when he departed later. The King’s car shortly afterwards flashed through the gates on a visit to Queen Mary. The King returned to the palace at 11.24 p.m., after remaining with Queen Mary for 40 minutes. The King eventually left the palace at 1.30 a.m. by car for Fort Belvedere, and thus ended what. the. ‘Daily Mail’ describes as “ the strangest day the nation has known for over a century, when tho Crown became the centre of a tense constitutional situation and the monarch’s matrimonial affairs were agitating the nation, as when King George IV. refused to recognise his wife, Princess Caroline, as Queen.” BRIEF RESPITE AT FORT BELVEDERE ; BIBCUBBMNB AT DOWNING STREET LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 2 a.m.) Though he had not reached Fort Delverder© till 2 a.m., the King left again at 8.45 a.m., apparently for London, The approaches to v the grounds are still carefully guarded. Sir Eric Mieville (private secretary to the Duke of York) spent half an hour at No, 10 Downing Street. Sir John Simon followed at 10.10 a.m. SEVEN THOUSAND CHEER KING AT ALBERT HALL LONDON, December 4. The nation’s attitude to his Majesty was indicated at an Albert Hall meeting, where 7,000 people sang ‘ God Save the King ’ with more than usual fervour. Then when the last organ note had tfied there was a great shout, ■” Three cheers for the King,” and again “God bless him,” followed by wave upon wave of cheering.

There wa-s a similar scene at St. James’s Theatre on the first night of a new comedy. At the opening of the

performance the band played the National Anthem, and the distinguished , audj&ice broke into spontaneous applause* which continued for some time.

DOMINIONS' FIRM STAND MRS SIMPSON HOT ACCEPTABLE AS , QUEEN { • LONDON, December 4. The ‘ Telegraph ’ learns that Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa all moved in the matter of representing in the strongest terms the grave concern felt overseas with regard to the circumstantial reports of the King’s intention^, The dominions’ Governments made it quite plain that neither as queen nor as a morganatic wife would Mrs Simpson be accepted by the peoples of the do. “minions. They urged with great firmness , as co-equal partners that steps should be taken to end a state of affairs which .they considered dangerous; from the viewpoint of the Empire. . Their action undoubtedly played a part in bringing about the present development. _ . . Actually the situation is being handled by five men—Mr Stanley Baldwin, Mr Mackenzie King, Mr j. A. Lyons, Mr M; J. Savage, and General Hertzog. Constant telegraphic communication is being maintained between Downing Street and each of the dominion capitals.

Every step taken by Mr Baldwin is ■reported to each of his fellow Prime Ministers, and agreement is obtained before further action is taken. The view is that in so delicate and difficult an affair, the whole Empire‘should move in unity. \ Mr Baldwin conferred at the House of Commons late last night with. Mr Neville Chamberlain, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, Mr Vincent Massey, and Mr te Water, after which Mr te Water and Mr Massey went to the Dominions Office and continued discussions with Mr MacDonald."

Asked when leaving if there were any further developments, Mr Massey replied: “No, there will be nothing more to-night.” It is understood that the Free State was consulted with the other Governments. LABOUR MAYOR'S REFERENCE LONDON, December 4. ’ 1 The Labour , Mayor of Nottingham (Or Purser), speaking at a function, said: “I was almost laid flat by the serious news revealed to-day. We are all hoping for the best and perhaps we never shall emphasise more the second wore} of our national cry, ‘God Save the King.’” ‘ THE KING'S ALTERNATIVES LONDON, December 4. The ‘ News Chronicle ’ says: “ Either the King must renounce his marriage proposal or accept the resighation of Cabinet and ask some leading politician to form a new Administration, or abdicate in favour of the Duke of York. A high authority states that His Majesty is prepared to accept the last-named course if parliamentary opinion remains as it is.” MRS SIMPSON'S MOVEMENTS STILL IN ENGLAND. LONDON, December 3. The ‘ Daily Mail ’ states that Mrs Simpson has not 16ft England. A passage for her and her aunt, Mrs Merryman, was booked on a Channel boat from Dover to Dunkirk, but was cancelkd at the last moment. BELIEVED TO BE STAYING IN SURREY LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 1 a.m.) Mrs Simpson is believed to be staying with friends in the country in Surrey. A taxi loaded with ppveral cases left her town house after breakfast.

REPORTED TO BE IN EUROPE LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 1.30 a.m.) The ‘Daily Telegraph’s* Paris correspondent says the King’s private aeroplane was awaited at Le Bourget to-day. It was expected that Mrs Simpson would be aboard. The Associated Press learns that the machine is still in its hangar at Hendon, with which the King's _ pilot, Wing-Commander Fielden, is in frequent touch. Reports persist that Mrs Simpson went to Europe to-day. REPORT FROM DIEPPE DIEPPE, December 4. (Received December 5, at 10 a.m.) The men accompanying Mrs Simpson are believed to be a detective and her secretary. ARRIVAL IN PARIS TO STAY AT. VERSAILLES. LONDON, December 4. Received December 6, at 10.5 a.’m.) Mrs Simpson arrived at Dieppe early in the morning. A Central News representative who was on the same steamer says Mrs Simpson’s arrival aboard was a complete surprise. A car drove up just before sailing time. Three men and a.heavily veiled woman walked to the passport office, quickly passed, and - went to their cabins. A car wgs awaiting them at Dieppe. The party sot off at 2 a.m. and stayed at Rouen till 11 a.m. They later arrived at Paris, whence messages suggest that Mrs Simpson is staying with Lady Charles Mendl, at Villa Trianon, Versailles. [Sir Charles Mendl is Press Attache at the British Embassy, Paris.] TRAVELLER IN KING'S OAR PARIS, December 4. (Received December 6, at 11 a.m.) The police admit that they were instructed yesterday to maintain the strictest secrecy regarding Mrs Simpson’s movements. It is understood that she travelled to Paris in one of the King’s private cars. The King, as the Prince of Wales, had tea at the Villa Trianon in the autumn of 1936. Mrs Simpson was also present. Lady Mendl is a great friend of Mrs Simpson. BOMBAY PAPER'S COMMENT SYMPATHIES ENTIRELY WITH KIHG . BOMBAY, December 3. The ‘ Chronicle ’ says: “ The King is trying to render a distinct service to British democracy by proposing as its head to marry democratically. Our sympathies are entirely with him.” BRITISH EDITORIAL OPINIONS WHAT A KING CANNOT DO LONDON, December 4. ‘The Times,’; in a leader, states: “T)ne of the overwhelming objections to the King’s marriage is that Mrs Simpson has two former husbands living, from whom she has obtained a divorce, on the last occasion recently under circumstances which are fairly common knowledge. Such a, marriage would scandalise a large proportion of ■the nation and the Empire, and do infinite harm to the whole institution of the British monarchy,

“ There is no substance in the argument, freely used, that the King is only anxious and should be allowed to marry the women he loves. The King, like his most humble subjects, is absolutely free to make and carry out such a decision if he wjll; he may even be applauded for it as a man. What he cannot do in this case is to carry it out as King.”

The editorial proceeds to explain that though a reigning queen may take a husband who is not a king, a king may not take a wife who is not a queen. Such h position would require legislation. Objections to the marriage are not legal at all, and cannot be met by an amendment to the law ; nor, indeed, can they be met in any way. Either the innovation of morganatic marriage under the British Constitution must be superfluous or must be condemned for the reasons which made it expedient.

The ‘Daily Mirror’ states: “Wo must leave the decision to public opinion and the nation, which loves and respects the King. One thing certain at' present is that the King’s good is the Ration’s, and his happiness must in a great measure be ours.”

The ‘ Manchester Guardian,’ in a leader, says: “Mr Baldwin’s assurance that at present a constitutional difficulty does nob exist may legitimately be read as confirmation of the hope, generally cherished and which will be cherished as long as possible, that no direct Conflict between the King’s wishes and his Ministers’ advice will arise. Apparently we have gained a brief respite, fob which nobody in Britain or the Empire who looks at the present condition of Europe can fail to be thankful. This point would incline the King to give greater attention to Mr Baldwin’s views.” HOUSE OF COMMONS MR BALDWIN QUESTIONED LONDON, 'December 4. Major Attlee asked Mr Baldwin in the House of Commons if he had any further statement to make regarding the constitutional position. Mr Baldwin, pale and haggard, replied; “I regret, to say that at the moment I have nothing to add to yes-

tcrday’s reply, while being just as alive to what was asked me yesterday as to the urgency of some decision being made known at the earliest possible moment.” Mr Churchill repeated his question of yesterday, when he asked whether the Prime Minister would give an assurance that no irrevocable step would be taken before a formal ’statement was made through Parliament. Mr Baldwin: I have nothing more to say than I said yesterday. Sir W. H. Davison: Do you hope to make a statement at a later sitting? Mr Baldwin: No. I cannot add anything. Mr J. J. Tinker: Will it bo Monday or later? Everybody is anxious to hear something definite. Mr Baldwin: I recognise the anxiety, but I cannot say any more at the moment. Two agency lobbyists record a feeling of optimism. DISTRESS AT THE VATICAN POPE KEPT IN IGNORANCE . ROME, December 3. While the world was discussing the crisis, the Pope and the .Vatican leaders have not heard the news. The newspapers broke the silence with columns of restrained and 1 tactful despatches from London, which caused distress at the Vatican, but did not reach the Pope and high prelates, who are in a spiritual retreat under vows of silence until December 5. AMERICAN PRESS FEATURES NEWS ORGY OF SENSATIONALISM NEW YORK, December 3. With the exception' of a small irresponsible minority, the American Press showed considerable reticence on the discussion concerning the King until yesterday, when the floodgates were let down and the most reserved journals indulged in the fullest sensationalism. The ‘ Sun ’ takes the English Press to task for its attempts to suppress the news. The ‘ World Telegram ’ wonders whether “ the old British custom of compromise will prevail and they will muddle but.” Mr Hugh Walpole, the novelist, who was interviewed, said; “It is not because Mrs Simpson is an American that England would spurn her as Queen. It is because the Crown, that very sensitive ideal, would lose caste and unity in a woman twice divorced.” ...

Mr Sinclair Lewis, the author, said: “ We have the feeling that a man has the right to his own private life.” Mts Borah )Said: “I, hope the marriage will come to pass.” POSITION OF KING'S WIFE SUGGESTION THAT SHE.NEED NOT BECOME QUEEN REFUTED BY MR BALDWIN. ' LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 10 a.m.) Making a statement in the House of Commons at the adjournment Mr Baldwin said: “In view of the widely-circulated suggestions as to certain possibilities in the event of the King’s marriage, I think it advisable for . me to mike a statement on the suggestions that have appeared in the Press that if the King decided to marry his wife need not become Queen. These ideas are without any constitutional foundation,” Mr Baldwin read from a typed document. Loud and continued cheering greeted the refusal to introduce legislation. . STATEMENT AMPLIFIED NO MORGANATIC MARRIAGE IN LAW LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 11.30 a.m.) Mr Baldwin, in a statement, said: There is no such thing as what is called morganatic marriage known in our law. The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 does not apply to the Sovereign himself. The only effect is that the marriage of any other member of the Royal Family is null and void unless the Sovereign’s consent is first obtained. The King himself requires no consent from any other authority to make his marriage legal. “ But, as I have said, the lady whom he marries, by the fact of her marriage to the King, necessarily becomes Queen. She, therefore, enjoys all the status, rights, and privileges which both by positive law and by custom are attached to the position, with which we are familiar in tases of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary, and her children would be in the direct line of succession to the throne.

“ The only possible way in which this result could be avoided would be by legislation dealing with a particular case. The Ministry is not prepared to introduce such legislation. Moreover, the matters we deal with are the common concern of the Commonwealth as a whole, and such a change could not be eifective without the consent of all the dominions. lam satisfied from inquiries made that this assent would not be forthcoming. Lfelt it right to make this statement to remove widespread misunderstanding. I will presently make another statement.”

Major Attlee said: Even if time allowed it is uudershable to comment on or discuss your statement. It is one to which wo all have; to give very great consideration. ; "

NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT YET KING PROBABLY TOOK INITIATIVE IN CONSULTING MINISTERS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 4. (Received December 5, at noon.) No reference was made to tbo constitutional issue in the House of Lords, whose sitting lasted only a few minutes. The House then adjourned until Monday. So far there has been no official statement as to the issues which have arisen between the King and bis Ministers. The parliamentary correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says that when matters axe made public it will probably be found that the King expressed a desire to contract such a marriage as would require a special Act of Parliament, and that he himself took the initiative in asking whether such a measure could be passed and that the Ministers, after full consideration and consultation, replied that in their opinion it was impossible. Kl m STILL AT FORT BELVEDERE CABINET MINISTERS CANCEL ALL ENGAGEMENTS LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 10.5 a.m.) The King is still at Fort Belvedere. It appears that a speedy car containing Mr W. T. Monckton, K.C., AttorneyGeneral for the Duchy of Cornwall, who had a long interview with the King at the Palace last night, also went to Fort Belvedere at midnight. The Duke of York spent half an hour with Queen Mary in the morning. Cabinet adjourned at 12.35 p.m. The general impression is that Ministers were considering communications from the dominions. Ministers have cancelled all to-day’s engagements. Colonel Wedgwood says he has been inundated with telegrams from all parts of Britain and the Empire approving his motion, the purpose of which is to prevent the King’s abdication and secure him the rights of an ordinary decent citizen. Three taxi loads of young people alighted at the Palace just as the Guard was changing, gave three cheers for the King, and sang ‘ God Save the King,’ also ‘ For He’s a .Jolly Good Fellow.’ They explained that they simply wished to show their loyalty to the King. The Independent Labour Party announced that it will not enter a political truce on the constitutional issue. The ‘ Church of England Messenger,’ in an editorial, concludes; “ We believe that out of this grave crisis good will emerge, God save the King.” MR BALDWIN AGAIN VISITS KING (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 4. (Received December 5, at 1.30 p.m.) Cabinet was in session for two hours this morning. It is thought likely that another special meeting will he held to-morrow. Mr Baldwin visited Fort Belvedere this evening and was received by the King. i KING MAY BROADCAST TO NATION REPORT FROM AMERICA NEW YORK, December 4. (Received December 5, at 1.5 p.m.) The London correspondent of the 1 New York Times ’ says officials at the British Broadcasting Corporation are being held in readiness to receive in the next 48 hours Notification from the palkce that the Eng desires to broadcast to the nation. It is reported that Sir John Reith (Director-General of the Corporation) has already perfected plans for a hookup to carry the . King’s voice to , the farthest corners of the Empire. It is believed that the Government - is unable to interfere with the King’s wish as tji© corporation is constituted by Royal charter and is virtually operating at the King’s pleasure. BISHOP OF BRADFORD'S SPEECH LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 11.5 a.m.) The Bishop of Bradford, asked ■ whether he made his speech on December 1 as the result of a meeting of bishops, said: “I wrote the address without consulting anyone before the meeting of Archbishops and bishops, by whom I was not influenced.” THE START OF THE TROUBLE AUSTRALIA AND CANADA DENY INITIATIVE LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 11.55 a.m.) ; Australian business men in London are deeply concerned with the widespread prevalence in the city of the rumours that Australia took the initiative in raising the Simpson issue. The Associated Press, in denying the story on the best authority, emphasises that Australia and New Zealand have not yet advanced their views and have done little more than watch progress, though, like the other dominions, they are in close touch with Mr Malcolm MacDonald.

An emphatic denial has reached London from Mr Mackenzie King that the action was instigated by any dominion, particularly Canada, as distinguished from the United Kingdom.

MR MACKENZIE KING'S STATEMENT OTTAWA, December 4. (Received October 6, at 12.16 p.m.) The Prime Minister has issued tbo following statement: “It is quite wrong to allege that in the existing situation any proceeding or course of action in Britain has been at the instance of the dominions and of Canada in particular.” SILENCE AT CANBERRA NO FORMAL REQUEST FOR A DECISION CANBERRA, December 4. (Received December 5, at 2 a.m.) A strict silence is maintained in. Ministerial circles in regard to the events in London. It is known that no formal request for a decision on any question has been received by the Federal Government, and that the High Commissioner is in close touch with Mr Baldwin. Meanwhile arrangements for the Coronation have been temporarily suspended. CABINET MINISTER RECALLED [Per Whited Press Association.] * NELSON, December 5. The Hon. P. Fraser, recalled to Wei-, lington, left by plane this morning. To-day’s programme, including visits to local institutions, was cancelled. ABDICATION BEFORE COMPROMISE METHODIST LEADER'S MESSAGE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December. 5. The Rev. E. P. Blamires, president of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, has wired Mr Savage as follows: “ We stronglv appreciate the firm and united attitude of the British dominions as published. Abdication would be preferable to compromise.” STOCK MARKETS UNSETTLED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 3. The uneasiness caused by the constitutional issue was reflected at the opening of the stock markets, but later more settled conditions developed. NO NEW DEVELOPMENTS MR BALDWIN SUMMONS EARLY MEETING OF CABINET LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 12.60 p.m.) It is understood that no decision has yet been reached. Mr Baldwin, who was accompanied by three unidentified companions, had 55 minutes’ audience with the King at Fort Belvedere, discussing the views of the dominions’ Governments, which, it is emphasised, are of the utmost importance owing to the King’s position under the/ Statute of Westminster. Mr Baldwin, who left Fort Belvedere with his hat pulled down over his eyes, has summoned Cabinet for 10 a.m. tomorrow—an unusually early hour. It is possible that further dominion views will then be available, particularly in view of the Prime Minister’s new statement. Mr Baldwin arrived at No. 10 Downing Street at 8 p.m. Although obviously tired he paused for a moment for photographers. When journalists asked if it were possible for him to say anything Mr Baldwin replied: “ That will be all to-night. The Home Secretary is coming to No. 10 at 9.30 p.m., and there will be nothing more. Do not waste more of your time.” Mr Baldwin will remain at Downing Street during the week-end. ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY - TWO EARNEST HOPES LONDON, December 4. (Received December 5, at 2 p.m.) The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued the following statement:— At this moment of deep anxiety and bewilderment in the public mind I venture to express two earnest hopes, firstly, that during this critical weekend, especially Sutiday, those who have a duty to speak to the people from the pulpit or otherwise will refrain from speaking directly on matters that have arisen affecting the King and his subjects. Words spoken with imperfect knowledge of an extremely difficult and delicate situation can give no helpful guidance, and may only mislead and confuse public thought and feeling. Silence is fitting until the ultimate decisions are known. Secondly, I hope, indeed I take it for granted, that on Sunday prayers will be offered in all our churches, as surely as they must be continually offered in all our churches and as surety as they must be continually offered in the hearts of all Christian people, that God may in these momentous hours rule over the decision of the King and the Government for the lasting good of the realm and Empire.

NOH-INTERVENTION JN SPAIN COWITTEE'S PROPOSALS FORWARDED QUESTION OF FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS DISCUSSED (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, December, 4. {Received December 5, at 1.30 p.m.) At the request of the chairman of the International Committee for the application of the agreement regarding non-intervention in Spain, the Kingdom Government has addressed a communication to the two parties in the civil war conveying the proposals of the committee for a system of supervision at Spanish points of entry by land and sea. One communication was sent to Sir Henry Chilton at Hendaye, and another to Mr Ogilvie Forbes at Madrid. The chairman’s sub-committee of the International Committee had before it to-day the question of foreign volunteers. It is understood that the Foreign Secretary sent a personal message to to-day’s meeting, tn which he stressed again his concern regarding the arrival of foreign volunteers on both sides in the civil war. An official statement issued at the dose of the sub-committee’s meeting says a general exchange of views took place with regard to both the question of the increasing entry of foreign nationals into Spain and other aspects of indirect intervention. The sub-commit-tee was agreed upon the importance of these'questions, and decided upon the general outlines of the proposals with regard thereto for submission to the mnin committee. These proposals will be elaborated for consideration by the sub-committee at a further meeting on Monday.

ANGLiGAN CHURCH'S ATTITUDE STATEMENT BY BISHOP OF WELLINGTON AGAINST MARRIAGE OF DIVORCED PERSONS. ’ [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 4. An explanation of the attitude of the Anglican Church towards King Edward’s proposed marriage to Mrs Simpson was given by the Bishop of Wellington, the Right Rev. H. St./ Barbe Holland, in an interview to-night. The position of the church is that the innocent party to a divorce may claim under the civil law to be married in an Anglican Church if the party can secure a clergyman willing to perform the ceremony,” said Bishop Holland, “ but an interesting fact is that no clergyman can be compelled by law to do it. Very few—only one or two here and there—are : willing to marry divorced persons. They feel that the church must stand for the highest moral standards of marriage. In the case of very great hardship the practice is for the clergy to advise the parties concerned to have the marriage performed at a registry office, and then if they wish to come to the church for its blessing. In the marriage service of the church, both bride and bridegroom take a vow to live as man and wife until death us -do part.” If the church condoned the marriage of divorced persons it would make a mockery of the oath of life partnership until death. “ When the church has set such a high standard of marriage in the first instance,” his lordship said, “ it would stultify the marriage oath in marrying divorced persons. The vow does not say ‘ until death or adultery doth us part.’ In view of the church’s attitude, it is highly unlikely that the King could get an Anglican clergyman to marry him and Mrs Simpson.” Referring -generally to what- he believed must be the view of the majority of the King’s subjects toward his relations with Mrs Simpson, Bishop Holland said that since the enactment of the Statute of Westminster in 1931 the Crown was the only link that tied the Empire together. In view of that fact it was a matter of increasing concern to all of the constituent parts of the British Commonwealth of Nations that the wearer of the Crown should represent all that was highest and noblest in what had been handed down through history as the ideal of life, both public and private. The King had therefore a responsibility which must wim for him the sympathy of all his subjects and make most of them ask: “Who would be a king?” The wearer of the Crown must be willing to sacrifice his own private desires for the sake of the responsible position with .which he was entrusted.

Ifc was clear, Bishop Holland concluded, that a great majority of the subjects of the Throne would agree with the church’s outlook that a great ideal ha'd been lost were such an event as the suggested marriage of the King to take place. Greatly as they would deplore the passing from the Throne of one who had won the hearts of the people by his wonderful sympathy with the under dog and the oppressed, and though none would wish to dictate to him, they must express and adhere to the conviction that His Majesty would do grievous wrong to the heritage handed down to him were he to fulfil the desire attributed to him of taking as his partner one who had been twice divorced.