NEWS FROM ABROAD

Evening Star, Issue 20057, 24 December 1928, Page 5

NEWS FROM ABROAD

King Making Slow Progress Doctors Satisfied With Developments Trouble Brewing in Alsace Judge Shot by Extremist Twenty Buildings Damaged in London Explosion

Pams Association—By Telegraph-Copyright A bulletin .says: “The King .passed. n quiet dav. His progress is sustained. The next bulletin will be issued mi > Sunday evening. (.Signed) Hewclt, Rigby. Dawson.” MAKING SLOW PROGRESS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 23. To-night’s bulletin is .regarded in palace circles as satislactory, though tlio doctors are unable to report any notable progress. This means that Mis Majesty is continuing to make slow progress. . The violet ray treatment was administered to-night. Lord D : ''' son and Sir Hugh Rigby consulted with Dr Hewitt for one hour. The optimism is emphasised by the announcement that there would bo no further bulletin till Sunday evening,. The medical review of_ the King s case is informative. It points out that the dangerous nature of the infection •was deal to the doctors almost from the beginning, when the blood _ was found to contain streptococci, which is never dislodged from the blood stream without endangering a patient’s lito. At fhe end of the second week tile condition deserved the name of pneumonia, hut tins would have misled the public, which associates it with the penumococcus type. The crisis at ten days was secondary to the general septicfomia, when there were signs of severe bacterial poisoning, a dry, cracked tongue, and periods of delirium and exhaustion. After tho operation, which was necessary in the circumstances, the general infection did not return, but exhaustion 'was still profound. , This state was more distressful to the bedside watcher than to the patient, who had no grave discomfort or pain to contend with. Under careful nursing ami with an occasional valuable stimulus of the ultra-violet rays the strength gradually increased.—Australian Press Association. ON ROAD’ TO RECOVERY. Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, December 22. The fifth week of tho King’s illness finds for the first time definite welcome evidence that he has taken tho road to recovery. The latest medical statements have' enabled the public to Realise how extreme were tho penis through which the King passed and how slow and anxious was the passage. His Majesty is by no means yet out of danger. The gradual improvement of the last few days must continue. However, the cumulative elfect must make itself felt, while the skilled solicitude with which he is attended is a guarantee against any avoidable setback, it is extremely fortunate that the cloud has lifted to this extent for the Christinas business and pleasure, both ot which have been considerably overshadowed in the past month. They will not recover their normal tide until the King enters the convalescent stage, but already the relief to the public tension is perceptible. An outstanding feature of the anxious time is the way the whole oi Europe has reacted. Erance, particularly, has taken almost as vital an interest as the Empire." An attempt to analyse the popularity of the King is made in to-dny’s ‘ Echo de Paris,’ which says; “Until now his popularity has been latent and unsuspected by the most attendant of British observers, it is not due to any individual action, as with Queen Victoria or King Edward. The King lias not intervened in public affairs with a vigour which even approaches comparison with his predecessors, but far more than they ho has mingled with tho masses. Mo has shown a strict sense of duty on all occasions. He never missed tho opening of Parliament. He is a classical example of the country gentleman, with little predilection either for literature or art. He is a good shot, he is fond of horses, and a man whose simple kindliness marks him the very type of a good fellow, vividly conscious of his duties and carrying them out scrupulously.” .■ . , The writer adds: “Nevertheless, it must not be concluded that the King is self-effacing or lacking in energy." He quotes the Prince of Wales as having said; “if my-father had reigned in another age he would have believed in the divine right of kings.” On two occasions, where the utmost .delicacy and tact were needed in dealing with Parliament, and . also dating the first Labour -Government, the King acquitted himself without room for criticism. As a result the Republican sentiment failed to develop in England at a time when circumstances were in its favour. To-day it is practically non-existent.—-Australian -Press Association, tion. 'AIR OF CONFIDENCE AT PALACE. Press Association—By Telegraph Copyright LONDON, December 23. To-night, for the first time since the King’s illness developed seriously, there is a distinct air of confidence at the

Palace. His Majesty’s progress -is very slow, but tins was expected. The great anxiety of the past fortnight is now allayed to a very great extent. It lias been learned authoritatively that the doctors are satisfied with the developments which have taken place, and if the progress is continued for another two' or throe days it may be accepted that the King is on the high road to recovery. Dr Howitt and Dr Woods again administered ray treatment to-night. Lord Dawson and Sir Hugh Rigby remained with Dr Howitt for one hour. Sir Stanley Hcwett is still staying at the Palace. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES TO PROCEED. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 22. It is stated in Ministerial circles tonight that the King and the Queen desire that their subjects should not allow the King’s illness to diminish the* customary happiness of Christmas, as His Majesty is now making steady, if slow, progress. It is his desire that public and private festivities should proceed as usual. A formal message to this effect may be issued before Christmas Day.—Australian Press Association. THE ROYAL FAMILY. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 22. (Received December 24, at I a.m.) With the exception of the Duke of Gloucester, who is expected at Buckingham Palace on Christmas Eve, the Royal Family circle is now complete at the Palace.—United Service. PRINCE GEORGE’S. BIRTHDAY CAKE. Press Association—oy Telegraph—Capyright, “LONDON, December 22. (Received December 24, at 1 a.m.) The Berengario’s passengers say that Prince George made quite a hit at the auction of his birthday cake, which realised £1,067 for The miners’ fund. It was first sold as a whole for £250. Prince George then sliced it and sold the pieces at £5 each. He next sliced the pieces, which were put up tor auction until only the crumbs were left. These were sold, and then two sugar birds realised £SO each.—United Service.