THE LATE QUEEN.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 37, 13 February 1901, Page 2

THE LATE QUEEN.

EULOGY FROM AMERICA.

“ THE WISEST WOMAN THAT EVER LIVED.”

[By Telegraph.] [Per mail steamer at Auckland.]

San Francisco, Jan. 24,

The Press of the United States made a magnificent show in handling the publication of the details of the great change in the British nation. Mr Fred. Harmsworth, the distinguished London journalist, now visiting the United States, sent out a telegram complimenting the Press highly upon the masterful and enterprising manner in which the news had been sent forth. Doubtless to the work of the Press is due the credit of bringing all of the English-speaking world at least into close touch and the uniting of the nations as one family in anxiety, in mourning, and in hope for the new dynasty. The following are some expressions by leading Americans regarding the life of Victoria : -

John D. Long, 'Secretary of the Navy: “ There is a general feeling of sincere respect for Queen Victoria, not only in view of her splendid reign, but also for her high character and good influence as a queen 1 and a woman. ■ Her death comes as a personal loss to her people and. to others.” A. E. Stevenson, a former Vice-president of the Uuited States : Tidings of the death of Queen Viotoria will be received with deep regret throughout the British realm and the world. In the highest sense, her’s was an examplary life; it will stand in history in marked contrast to that of many who have preceded her in the great office. Her reign marks an epoch in 'English history. For two-thirds of a century, she had been in name Sovereign of Great Britain. The fact, however, remains that she has reigned, but has not ruled.”

Lord Paunceforte, British Ambassador: « The many expressions of sympathy which have come to this Embassy during the past trying days are fully appreciated. This feeling is natural, when it is considered that Queen Victoria has been the guardian spirit of almost numberless efforts for the advancement of her people at home, and the betterment of the conditions for the multitude under her sway beyond the limits of her home islands. To*those who had the wonderful privilege of knowing the venerated Queen her loss is something inexpressible. Those who have served her have priceless treasures in remembering her kindness, her encouragement, and benignant disposition, to reward with more than [generosity the smallest personal or national service.” General Nelson A. Miles“ Her reign, considering the history of the past sixty years, the important political events that have occurred, the progress made by the whole world, the part Great Britain has played in the progress, and the influence its Sovereign constantly exercised upon the affairs of the world, is the most remarkable in the history of the country. As with the Queen and her soldiers, there was ever a close relationship between the Queen and her military forces, both army and navy. One need not be told of the deep affection of British soldiers and sailors for the Queen, after having noted the loyalty and devotion displayed wherever English soldiers or sailors are to be seen. The affection was reciprocated by the Queen. Thus her influence is felt all thrqugh the army and navy.’’ v Robert T. Lincoln, formerly United States Minister at London :Queen Victoria was one of the wisest women—probably the wisest woman that ever lived. I do not mean to say that she was a genius, but her great gift of common sense, reinforced by her vast store of knowledge, has enabled her to give oounsel to men and women that could not be excelled." j "

Bishop Potter is quoted as saying: “ This morning, when on Episcopal business, I observed a bulletin in front of a newspaper office, saying that the Queen was dying, and I asked myself what was the meaning of the world-wide sorrow manifested in that deathbed scene. She was not a woman of great intellect, or of great gifts, but no human being who has lived in the last eighty-two years has exercised so enduring or remarkable an influence on the world as she. Like, Washington, it was her personality, the influence of her character, that achieved this result. You read of Napoleon, the most brilliant figure in’history, of a man so cruel, so base as' he. Therefore it is not great gifts that made great characters. It is what one doe3 —what one is, that counts with such a character as Washington or Viotoria. To paraphrase famous words of Nelson, the Queen did her. duty without faltering or failure; she was always womanly, pure, patient and devoted to daty.” Tunis G. Berger, a leading member of the Boer Relief Committee : “-That the longest ■reign in England should be the greatest is hecanse the sceptre was in the hands of a pure and loving woman. Victoria’s reign will he best known by its victories in the arts of peace. The sovereign who ruled and guaranteed the home has brightened the fame of England as the land of homes. The mailed hand of the British power, which too often has struck down in otherlandß, not (he band o! the Queen,"