Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1893. Queen and Empress.

Manawatu Herald, 25 May 1893, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1893. Queen and Empress.

Yesterday Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her seventy fourth birthday having been born on the 24th May," 1819. Her reign has been marked by peace and progress, and, happy are her people over whom she wields nominal sovereignly. We say nominal, for though .perhaps it is actually a misnomer where can greater freedom be found that under the sceptre of Queen Victoria ? What a glorious history is recorded during the time Her Majesty has sat on the throne, glorious for her and for the nation. At this day the ■ English language is spoken by more than a hundred millions of people, and understood by fifty millions more. The English possessions total up to some wonderful figures, as they have an area of some 9,244,099 square miles and contain 348,875,000 of population ! The revenue is represented by £240,200, 000, and the public debts by £1, 178,580,000. The imports and exports amount to £1,209,300,000 ! 1 ! These possessions have been obtained in various ways. Some' were conquered and seized in war, some were purchased, whilst others, like the Australasian colonies were secured by settlements. The material greatness of the country exceeds that cf any other Empire ancient or modern. The whole is governed by settled Law, every man's property is protected; his person, like is property cannot be touched except by legal process. Religion is free. Surely Her Majesty and all her subjects should feel proud, and to our Queen is much of this great success due, owing to her marvellous appreciation of the power .of the nation to guide itself by its own appointed rulers. We are not inclined to say "0! Queen live for ever," but we do wish that as long as it may please the All Wise Ruler to grant her life she may be spared from all pain and grief and pass to that Home to which all must go, in Peace and Respect, beloved even as she is now beloved.