A NIMBLE INTELLECT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 56

A NIMBLE INTELLECT.

Of the Prince's encouragement of the drama, art, music, and literature, the writer also has something to say. He believes that they will all receive fresh life when Edward VII reigns. Discussing the Prince's intellectual capabilities, the article says: — "Of late years the more important Foreign Office papers and despatches have been sent to the Prince of Wales by command of the Queen. A close student of contemporary history, and personally acquainted with all the Ambassadors and chief colonial Governors, the Prince's knowledge of Imperial politics and secret influences that govern the world's history is excelled by that of no Englishman. His mind i 3 extraordinarily quick in seeing and seizing a point, and it is a question with those whose intimacy with all three enabled them to judge whether the Prince of Wales, the late Lord Randolph Churchill, or the Earl of Rosebery possessed the nimblest intellect. One example of the Prince's diplomatic skill may be mentioned :— I refer to the relations established between the Czar and the Prince of Wales, first at Livadia, and afterwards at St. Petersburg, on the occasion of the death of Alexander 111. No Ambassador could have placed the relations between the two countries on the footing that has prevailed ever since the Czar Nicholas came to the throne ; and England will continue to reap the benefit of them in long years to come."