Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1936 THE KING AND HIS PEOPLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 25 January 1936, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1936 THE KING AND HIS PEOPLES

THE week, which is ending, lias been a Hying one for the people of the British Empire, for if brought with it the death of King George, the beloved Sovereign of the Empire. Nevertheless the bereaved nations are heartened by the knowledge that there asceuds the lln one a Prince who knows them with an intimacy which endears him to them, and has enshrined himself in their hearts. King Edward VIII, who has just so impressively addressed the Privy Council, and re-affirmed his Father’s determination to uphold constitutional government and devote his life to the welfare of all ins subjects, takes up the burden of Empire with the knowledge that he succeeds to the loyalty and regard which !he countless millions of the Empire extended to his royal father, and that in assuming the heavy responsibilities ol Sovereign he is supported whole-hearted-ly by the Governments of Great Britain, of the overseas Dominions, and of India, as well as by the Governments of the innumerable Crown Colonies which are responsible to the Throne through the British Government. A noted dramatist and historian, having in view the inevitable bereavement which the Empire has now suffered, thus wrote of King George’s eldest son: “The Prince of Wales has long since established a new generation of the Royal Family in the affections of the country. Although he is now approaching the beginnings of middle age, it is difficult not to think of him still as a young man, the very spirit of frank and engaging English youth. Throughout the Empire his personality and intellectual zeal have given the Throne a yet firmer hold upon the democratic temper of a new era.” That description of the Prince is equally true of him as King, and thus the unity of the far-flung Empire is cemented in a Sovereign who begins his reign under the most favourable auspices. King Edward comes to his exalted office well endowed, for as Heir Apparent he worked in complete harmony with his august father, from whom he learned to harmonise the prerogatives of royalty with service to the nations which one day he was to rule. In him those nations are knit more closely than ever, and their Governments have been quick to express their loyalty to their new Sovereign. Important as the Throne was in the days of Queen Victoria and of King Edward VII, to which time Mr Baldwin referred in the House of Commons this week, to-day it is even more important, because whereas the allegiance of the Dominions’ Governments was tendered to the Sovereign through the British Government, since the enactment of the Statute of Westminster the allegiance of Ihe Dominions’ Governments is paid directly to the Throne through their Governors-General. This means that communications between the Dominions and the Crown are direct, and consequently the unity of the Empire has been increased, and the position of the Crown has been strengthened. The tendency is for the prestige of the Crown to be enhanced, since it is becoming increasingly clear that it is the only connecting-link which unites the British Commonwealth of Nations politically. Fortunately the general acceptance of the principle of aereditary monarchy insures the stability and authority of the Crown, so that with iiie succession of a Prince who is so greatly loved throughout the Empire, its future is bright. Thus, a truly wonderful reign lias been closed, and a new reign is begun in an atmosphere of hopeful anticipation. For the hopefulness, the gaiety, and the courage of the new Sovereign augur well when the times demand in the nations of the British Commonwealth those high qualities and characteristics which alone can restore their material well-being. In the new era, which assuredly the new reign has opened, it is to bo anticipated that the sanguine spirit of the monarch will communicate itself to the nations under him, and inspire them to efforts which will solve their economic problems and eulance their prosperity. It was a wonderfully-inspiring speech, characteristic of the speaker, in which Mr Stanley Baldwin, Prime Minister of Great Britain, addressed the House of Commons. Deep sympathy with the Royal Family in its bereavement was expressed, together with grateful remembrance of his late Majesty’s unselfish public service J’or the welfare of the people. Assurance was given of continued loyal devotion to the Throne. As -Mr Baldwin said, although the temporal powers ol the Crown may have diminished. tlie spiritual power of the Crown is far greater than ever—greater than any man in visions could have foreseen. “It holds together the whole Empire of English-speaking people. It is, I believe, an indissoluble link due to those who have held the Throne in the last hundred years—Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, and King George.” History "'ill tell which of these revered monarchs did most to make that link strong. King George will certainly not be regarded as -be least eltective of the welders. Our new King may be relied upon to do all Unit is possible to maintain the strength o! the link.