The King's Illness.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 27, 3 July 1902, Page 19

The King's Illness.

About ten o'clock on Wednesday morning of laet week came the startling news that the Kin? was ill, and that the Coronation, which was to take place on Thursday had been postponed. For a time many people were inclined to believe that the news was unreliable, but later on confirmatory messages came to hand, bo that whin the public had thoroughly realised the true position of affairs the keenest sympathy was felt for the Royal sufferer. The first messages received weie somewhat contradictory, one stating that an operation had taken place, and another that an operation had been decided upon. It appear", however, that the operation, which was for an internal growth, was successfully performed on Tuesday. It is needleps to say that all celebrations at Home and abroad had to be postponed indefinitely. Nearly all the European notabilities left in the early part of the week for their respective countries. A meseage received on Friday morning stated that his Majesty had slept well during the previous night, and that he was making batisfactory progress. The Colonial troops are to leave for home on July 11, A bulletin insued on Friday mornirg stated that the King had passed a good night, and that his condition was attended by less anxiety. On Sunday morning it was officially announced that his Majesty was out of danger. The wound still needs constant attest. on, and under the most favourable conditions will require Borne lime to heal. The following cable wan received on Monday night: — The King's prosmss is uninterrupted. The doctors this evening decided th:it a bulletin w,xs unnecessary until 10 to-day. Thereafter one will be issued at 7 in the evening.

Monsignor Raphael Merry del Val. titular Archbishop of Nicaerp. Papal Envoy to the Coronation, conducted a notable service and special prayer for the recovery of the King at Brompton Oratory, in the presence of the leading Catholics of the Empire. The London newspapers confirm the statement that the King exercised his personal influence to secure peace. They predict that the King will be remembered in history as Edward the Peacemaker.