in her overwhelming grief.

"Standing here, little more than nine years ago, our beloved King
declared that so long as there was breath in his body he would work for
the good and amelioration of his subjects. I am sure that the opinion of
the whole nation will be that this declaration has been fully carried
out. To endeavour to follow in his footsteps, and at the same time to
uphold the constitutional government of these realms will be the earnest
object of my life. I am deeply sensible of the heavy responsibilities
which have fallen upon me. I know that I can rely upon the Parliament
and on the people of these Islands and my Dominions beyond the Seas for
their help in the discharge of these arduous duties and their prayers
that God will grant me strength and guidance. I am encouraged by the
knowledge that I have in my dear wife one who will be a constant
helpmate in every endeavour for our people's good."

This speech, delivered with obvious feeling and indicating a real
understanding and appreciation of his late Father's character and
career, made a most favourable impression upon the Council, the Nation,
and the Empire. It was followed by others--all showing tact and a clear
grasp of the fundamental conditions of the time and of his new
responsibilities. To the British Army King George issued the following
Message: "My beloved Father was always closely associated with the Army
by ties of strong personal attachment, and from the first day he entered
the service he identified himself with everything conducive to its
welfare. On my accession to the Throne I take this earliest opportunity
of expressing to all ranks my gratitude for their gallant and devoted
service to him. Although I have been always interested in the Army,
recent years have afforded me special opportunities of becoming more
intimately acquainted with our forces both at home and in India, as well
as in other parts of the Empire. I shall watch over your interests and
efficiency with continuous and keen solicitude and shall rely on that
spirit of loyalty which has at all times animated and been the proud
tradition of the British Army." To the Royal Navy His Majesty's Message
was issued with special and personal interest. He was devoted to that
arm of the service. From the year 1877 when he entered as a Cadet of
twelve years old, and 1879 when, with Prince Albert Victor--afterwards
Duke of Clarence--he went around the world in H. M. S. _Bacchante_, and
18