From News of the Week, The Spectator, 3 April 1915: THE King has done a big thing, and done it with characteristic modesty and freedom from sensationalism. On Thursday there was published a letter addressed by his private secretary, Lord Stamfordham, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. “The King,” says Lord Stamfordham, “feels that nothing but the most vigorous measures will successfully cope with the grave situation now existing in our armament factories.” The evidence “without doubt” points to the fact that our inability “to secure the output of war material indispensable to meet the requirements of our Army in the field” is largely due to drink. “The continuance of such a state of things must inevitably result in the pro-longation of the horrors and burdens of this terrible war.” Then comes the King’s practical and personal comment :—
“I am to add that if it he deemed advisable the King will be prepared to set the example by giving up all alcoholic liquor himself and issuing orders against its consumption in the Royal household, so that no difference shall be made so far as His Majesty is concerned between the treatment of rich and poor in this question.”
We need hardly say that we are delighted at the King’s action, and there will, we are sure, be the keenest satisfaction throughout the nation. We are delighted not merely because the King’s action will have a potent effect in making the nation understand the urgent need of the hour, but also because it reveals a very striking and very admirable part of the King’s character, and one which by its nature tends to be bidden. What we may term the King’s loyalty to the position which belongs to him in the Constitution, and his determination never to take advantage of that position in order to win applause for himself or to snatch at personal popularity, are admirable qualities. This fine reticence, this dislike of pose, this absolute refusal to “show off,” marks the character of the true gentleman, and that is a character which in the end always makes a tremendous appeal to Englishmen. The country is learning, and will not soon forget, that the King, whatever else he may do and whatever mistakes he may make, will always set an example in good breeding, good feeling, and unpretentious self-sacrifice.
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