QUEEN VICTORIA’S LETTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1926, Page 3

QUEEN VICTORIA’S LETTERS

SOME INTERESTING DISCLOSURES [Australian A N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, Feb. 25. The newspapers quote extensively from a new series of letters ol Queen Victoria, written during the period 1802-78. The series are edited by G. E. Buckle and published by the King’s authority. The letters are vivid in character ami make many memorable disclosures never before published. Together with extracts from Queen Victoria’s private journal the letters are from leading statesmen, and from Prime Edward and German Royalties.

The main features of the hook are: (1) Queen A ietoria s vehement letters to 'Lord Beaeonsfield and others during the crisis of 1877-8 demanding action t:> prevent, the Russians taking Constantinople. (2) The first full revelation of the overwhelming grief of the Queen on (lie death of the Prince Consort. Incidentally Queen Victoria mentions Disraeli's suggestion that two of her sons should be known as the Duke of Canada and the Duke of Australia. Queen A'ictoria did not object but the suggestion was abandoned. The first is typical of Queen A'ictoria’s comment, on various topics on Germany in 1870. “A powerful Germany can never be dangerous to England'.”

The reverse was the case with Prussia in 1875: “The Prussians, unfortunately. are unpopular, but nobody will tolerate any power wishing to dictate’ to all Europe. England, with the greatest wish to go hand in hand with Germany eantiot. and will not. stand it.”

LONDON, Feb. 20. The Queen wrote to the then King of the Belgians:—“l am miserable, wretched and almost frantic without my angel to stand by me, and put others down in their right place. ATv fate is too dreadful. If T could but oo soon to him and lie at rest. Day or night I have no peace;” (3) vigorous denunciations of the Romanising of the Church of England and declaration of the intention to uphold Protestantism in England, and the closer relation of all Protestant Churches; (4) vigorous intervention to prevent England fighting Germany over Schleswig Holstein; (5) declaration that the British Empire must stand by Belgium alone, if necessary,