The Northern Advocate Daily THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1936. THE CRISIS

Northern Advocate, 10 December 1936, Page 6

The Northern Advocate Daily

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1936. THE CRISIS

Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper.

As day has succeeded day without news suggesting the lifting of the dark clouds overhanging the British Empire, the heart of the nation has become heavier and its mind more depressed. “What will the King do?” That has been the all-absorbing question, and no answer that brought real comfort has been forthcoming. It has been realised that the next move must be made by the King, the pathos and tragedy of whose position have evoked the heartfelt sympathy of his subjects. This morning there came to hand from the Press Association an ‘ ‘ Extraordinary ’ ’ cable message which had an ominous significance. It states that Parliamentarians of all parties have regretfully come to the conclusion that the King’s abdication is indicated by the course bf events. This message, which is printed in today’s “Advocate,” is probably intended to prepare the nation for a development which, though they have no doubt sensed its inevitability from the outset, they have nevertheless hoped would not occur. What other course is open to the King? That is the rock on which hopes of the satisfactory solution of a heartrending problem have been shattered. The loss of His Majesty, to whom the nation has looked for a safe deliverance out of many of the troubles with which Britain, in common with the rest of the world, is faced, is something that cannot be contemplated with other than the sorrow with which the nation is fearing it today. It must le realised, however,, that principles constituting the only foundation upon which a solid and enduring political and social structure can be raised are at stake. The nation cannot, save at its peril, shut its eyes to that fact, ft is a matter for deep regret that there should be manifested a desire on the part of some sections of the nation to blame the British Government for the crisis. Such blame is undeserved, for it is clear, in the light of latest information, that the King approached the Government with a request that it should pass legislation enabling him to marry Mrs Simpson and to retain her as

wife, not as Queen.- The Government, through its responsible Ministers, refused to take such action, which, would have been unprecedented. Had Mrs Simpson been a woman fit to take her place as Queen there would have been no need for the request made by the King, who, better than anybody else, must have been aware of that fact. It has been emphasised over and over again that had the King chosen as his wife a wonian of the humblest social standing the nation would have welcomed her {aid taken her to its heart; a happily married King Edward has been universally wished by his subjects. It is most unfortunate that the King’s choice should have been one- whom the nation as a whole could not be expected to accept in that spirit. That there is a possibility of losing a much beloved personality such as King Edward is a conclusion which the people of the Empire are loth to entertain, but, when they take into consideration the interests of. the Throne. compared with the interests of ito occupant, ■ they will tie' forced, unwilling though they may be, to sum up the matter from the point of view of the head rather than that of the heart.