KING EDWARD AS A STATESMAN

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2154, 9 August 1907, Page 4

KING EDWARD AS A STATESMAN

Tho London letter in the North American Review explains to tho American public that “nothing can be falser than to suppose that tho occupant of tho British throne plays in public affairs a part that is merely passive and ornamental.” He lias, as Bageliot said the right to bo consulted, the right to- encourage, the right to warn. He has, moreover, the right to act as the representative but unofficial ambassador of his people to the nations of Europe. The writer proceeds:—Kind Edward has allowed none of his prerogatives to rust from disuse. He lias even on more than occasion jiushed them so far as to provoke murmurs from the stricter Constitutionalists. Tho abandonment of coercion in Ireland, the appointment of Sir Antony Mac Donnell, and the pushing on of that great- measure of appeasement which will be known through all Irish history as the AA T yndham Act, were directly the result of the King’s insistence; and his influence lias not been less an inspiration and a support to Mr. Haldane in his task of military reform. An excellent judge of men and affairs, learning and assimilating with extraordinary quickness, devoid of prejudices except a certain wholesome prejudice against waverers and fools, a- past master at staving off friction and bringing men together and putting them at their ease, at home everywhere, always discreet, pacific and full of bonhomie and enjoyment, and with what is scarcely less than a genius for 'knowing both what ti do and what to say, and what not to do and say, and for holding his tongue when it is all over—-King Edward is perhaps better fitted than any living statesman for the function of moderator and healer. Compare England’s position to-day with what it was in 1901, when Queen AMetoria died, and you will at once become aware of a change that is little Iced than! r resolution. In each stag© of that transformation King Edward lias playc 1 a leading part, often the leading part ”