Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 August 1907 — THE KINSHIP OF KINGS. [ARTICLE]

THE KINSHIP OF KINGS.

It la Not a Very Powerful Tie When Commerce Is at Stake. If alliance by klnsblp could guarantee the peace of nations, Great Britain to in a position to maintain friendly relations with nearly all the countries of Europe, 6ays the Philadelphia Ledger. The birth of an heir to the throne of Spain brings that country Into close association with England, as far as royal relationship goes. King Edward married the daughter of a ruler who was called “the grandfather of Europe,’’ and a British journal recalls with much gratification the designation of King Edward as “the uncle of Europe.” The British monarch Is second cousin to the King of Belgium, to the King of Portugal and to Ferdinand, the elected Prince of Bulgaria. Among the nephews and nleees of Edward VII. are the present or expectant rulers of Russia, Germany, Greece and Sweden. The King's daughter Maud was married in 1890 to Prince Karl of Denmark, now King Haakon VII. of Norway. These are Austro-Britißh royal.relationships. A collateral kinship exists between the King of Italy and King Edward, and an indirect connection can be traced between the British monarch and the King of Servia, the Queen of Holland and the royal house of France, if that be worth mentioning. It is Impossible to say what Influence these direct and indirect bonds between the British dynasty and continental rulers would have In keeping the peace of Europe if It were menaced by a substantial dispute. Royal relatlonshipshave not prevented war In the past and most persons will not place much confidence In such connections as factors for peace In the future. National sentiment counts for more In these days than the personal Interests of sovereigns. Whatever the effort. It Is obviously one of the purposes of royal marriages to cement the friendships of nations, finch alliances arc often affairs of state rather than of personnl affection, but they have not superseded the necessity for the political alliances, offensive and defensive, under which the rations are grouped. The ties of royal kinship do not appear ns part of the motive for such political alliances and we Imagine that they would prove to he only a slight deterrent if they were the only obstacle to a collision. The Interruption of commerce In the modern age Is'a much morn powerful preventive of International warfare than the kinship of kings, and commerce Is the only unwritten alliance that counts for much as a peace factor.