KING EDWARD VII's MEMOIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1927, Page 2

KING EDWARD Vll's MEMOIRS.

(Australian & N.Z. Cabls Association.) LONDON, Oct. 10. The strong personality of Edward VII dominates Sir Sidney Lee’s second volume of the authorised “ Lite of King Edward VII.” From the begin ning Ilis ’Majesty assorted the royal authority for full direction of the foreign policy and military administra tion. He did not forget he was head of the Army and those who neglected to keep him informed were sharply admonished. King Edward kept jealous watch on the distribution of honours and made frequent sugges-

tions, while he pressed objections with embarrassing stubbornness, often causing the withdrawal of names. The fol* lowing passage is quoted: “King Edward desired a certain name in the coronation honours but Lord Salisbury replied: “ That’, sir, is impossible.” King Edward: “I wish him to lie given a peerage. He must have it. The Premier was inflexible, and did not comply with the King’s wishes. He resolved to quit and quitted. Two reasons why the relations between Alt

Asquith and King Edward were not cordial are given thus—Asquith always appeared to the King, as reticent, secrective and reserved, always assuring His Majesty that he did not want to trouble him with difficult matters and tlie King thought he was deliberately withholding information. LONDON, Oct. 10. Sir Sydney Lee’s book states that the Liberal ministers frequently incurred blame ; Air Lloyd George and Mr Churchill the oftenest. The King wrote to Air Churchill as follow s: His Majesty is glad to see you becoming a reliable minister and above all a serious politician, which is only attainable bv putting country before party.” The diary reveals that the King was

offended in 1900, when Lloyd George used his name in the phase: 1 The issue at the next election will he whether the country is to he governed by the King and the peers, or by the King and the people.” The late Sir Henry CampbellBannerman defended Air Lloyd George, who professed a profound regret if he had offended.

The Duke of Connaught in 1900 insisted upon relinquishing what he considered his superfluous inspectorship of the Aloditerannean troops. His Majesty wrote: “The Duke of Connaught must now consider his military career at ail end and resign at once, f am much annoyed at my brother’s persistent obstinacy.” When Mr Balfour announced the French Entente, and intimated that ho would bring down a hill giving effect to cessions of territory, His Majesty objected, saying that the cession of territory rested with the Crown, and insisting that if Air Balfour was wrong, ho had to admit it. The diarist writes: “Later the King reluctantly accepted the Prime Minister’s explanation, and thus one of the last remaining great RoVal preroga tivos —the power to cede territory—was taken over by Parliament.” Several pages are filled with the story of Royal indiscretion. The King’s visit to Russia in 190 S was disapproved of by many Liberal and Labour members, who felt strongly about Russian misrule. A debate was forced in the Commons, whereupon the angered King Edward unwisely withdrew the Royal garden party, invitations issued to three members of the minority. Later the King recognised his mistake and withdrew the ban.