The Grey River Argus TUSEDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1948. THE PRINCE

Grey River Argus, 16 November 1948, Page 4

The Grey River Argus TUSEDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1948. THE PRINCE

AN expectant realm has universally welcomed the happy event of the royal birth with a jubilation as heartfelt as-perhaps has ever greeted the advent of a prospective heir to the Throne. The fact that it should be a male child adds, if anything, an increased measure of gratification. There are reasons why the people should regard the occasion as one of good omen. In a world where established institutions appear so insecure as do many to-day. the British community of nations and peoples revere the Throne and the Royal Family in a way that holds good of probably lio other monarchy. The sovereign indeed has always held in the hearts especially of the English people a unique place, and in their tradition, patriotism, symbolised by loyalty to the Throne, has been ever a most virile virtue. The present Royal Family from its very advent has been noted for sympathy with and insight into the sentiments of the people, and this spirit quite as much as any other single factor has served to consolidate the monarchy in a manner more enduring than has any other dynasty in modern history. It may furthermore be claimed that the Crown in this century, at least, has attained a significance that has no precedent for centuries, and in some respects none at all. It is undoubtedly the one sure remaining symbol of the unity of the Commonwealth, and, in this respect, has augmented its influence and dignity in proportion as the Commonwealth has developed. Certainly the tie, being sentimental, rather than merely legal, owes its durability to the feeling Of the people, whereas a more rigid one might only weaken in the way exemplified in the rise of the independence of the United States. Yet the real power of the Crown had before that been supplanted by the power of landed aristocracy, who signalised the fact repeatedly between the time they beheaded one King, hunted another, and brought in more than one from the Continent. The constitutional monarchy had then come to be one wherein government was the function of a ruling class, and the sovereign became the medium of final sanction for legislation. The incidence of this compromise was to be seen even in Elizabeth’s reign, with Cecil at the helm, and it has since been gradually adapted increasingly to the democratic idea. To-day there is certainly throughout the realm a recognition that the Throne is an anchor, which may signify a belief that certain fundamental institutions ought not be subject to passing currents of change, but maintain tradition and the things that go to preserve the collective character of a people or, as now defined, a Commonwealth. The popular rejoicing in London is not only reminiscent oi those spacious years when the British realm stood foremost in the world, but a reminder also that, in contrast with deep divisions among other communities., there is in Britain, as well as the Dominions, a strong bond of unity, and a way of life which is hopeful and genial in spite of all obstacles and vicissitudes. Maybe this occasion is the forerunner of a return to better times, as the spirit of optimism which it goes to foster fair and wide . through the King’s Dominions is indeed to be desired, and, in thus swaying so many, must naturally exert effect upon others. Not only the host of representative expressions of congratulation that have gone to the Royal Family demonstrate the common sentiments of the Commonwealth, but the individual or local, manifestations of satisfaction prove that the link is one of genuine sympathy and lively loyalty.