The Northern Advocate Daily TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1936. BRITAIN’S BEREAVEMENT

Northern Advocate, 21 January 1936, Page 4

The Northern Advocate Daily

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1936. BRITAIN’S BEREAVEMENT

Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper.

The blow lias fallen ! King George has been gathered to his fathers, and the people of the Empire stand round his deathbed, their heads bowed in a common sorrow. The British Empire has suffered a sore bereavement. So have the nations of the world as a whole, for there has been removed from the arena where the fate of nations is fashioned, one) who was ever foremost in the advocacy of all that made for peace and goodwill. The news of the death of His Majesty, which occurred today, has come as a stunning blow to the nation, for, in contradistinction to the occasion when his life was in the balance for many weeks some eight years ago, the last illness came unexpectedly and ran its course to a fatal conclusion with rapidity which did not prepare people for the end, though the bulletins issued by distinguished physicians left no room for doubt that recovery was not to be hoped for. This morning there came the eloquent message that the King’s life was moving peacefully to its close. Those who heard it were prepared for the news which arrived this afternoon. Though King George had reached the allotted span, and though it was known that the illness from which he suffered in recent years had greatly taxed his strength, the way . in which he passed through the trying ordeal of his Silver Jubilee celebrations suggested that His Majesty would remain at the head of the Empire family table for many years. It was not to be, however, and the nation has reached one of those dread crises, which sooner or later, come to every family. It is not necessary to repeat what we have said on many occasions as to the part King George played in the life of the Empire, but it must be recalled that no monarch has occupied the British Throne during a more critical period of the Empire’s history, and no monarch has held the Sceptre with greater credit to himself or herself, or with more usefulness to the subjects of the realm. The Empii’e has passed through an amazing series of constitutional changes in the twenty-five years of King George’s reign. In all the changes, the wise counsel and the kindly interest of the King were contributing factors in the smooth and successful transformation of political relationships at Home and abroad. The paternal interest which His Majesty manifested in his people’s welfare, and the fact that radio permitted him to speak to them no matter in what corner of the scattered Empire they were to be found, strengthened the bonds of affection and respect between King and people, who, in a manner unprecedented in history, regarded themselves as one great family, whose joys and sorrows were those of every member. It is the hour of anxiety and sorrow which brings' out the real spirit pf family life. Surely there were hours of anxiety and sorrow during the reign of King George. And it was those dark hours which gave the people proof that the King’s thoughts were with them, and which gave the King proof that the people’s thoughts were with him. The Great War and the King’s illness need only be quoted as instances of this fact. Now King George has gone, and King Edward reigns in his stead. The Empire will welcome the new Monarch, who comes to the Throne well qualified to meet the responsibilities of his high office. By travel and study, and by mixing with every class of people, King Edward has advantages such as no other constitutional ruler has had when entering upon his kingly role. He is a beloved figure, and he may be relied upon to acquit himself as nobly as his father did. “Long Live King Edward! ” will be the sincere prayer of the people of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. But in the hour of sorrow which has come to the Royal Family—sorrow which will be profound, for the members of the family were bound together by the ties of love and devotion—there will go out from the people of the Empire sincere sympathy, but especially with her who. for forty-three years, was the King’s Consort. Queen Mary is indeed bereaved, for the bond of love which united the Royal husband and wife was indeed strong and

unchanging. As one thinks oi the sorrowing Qneen, there come to mind the lines which Tennyson addressed to Qneen Victoria on the death of the Prince Consort. What finer prayer can the people of the British Empire offer for Qneen Mary: May all love, His love, unseen but felt, o’ershadotv thee, The love of all thy sons encompass thee, The love of all thy daughters cherish thee, The love of all thy people comfort thee, | Till God’s Love set thee at his side again.