GUSTAV V. OF SWEDEN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2146, 23 March 1908, Page 1

GUSTAV V. OF SWEDEN.

A TEN PICTURE OF EUROPE’S NEWEST KING. (Casstill’s “Saturday Journal.") Tlie king is dead! Ascends Gustav V., quite a respectable, superior person .with a reputation for doing nothing on a scale of .magnificence equalled only 'by his Majesty Spain. “The king is a hard worker,” his Ministers declare, and his Ministers wink. For the game of politics will'go on whilst his Majesty works, and when they call upon him they know they will find lie has gone on a journey, or is engaged at tennis, or is at the play. The serious side of life is one which Gustav V. consistently refuses to take seriously, die is no match for men of the world, and is invariably beaten in his would of sport. When he smiles his lips betray him; his eyes close before a steady gaze. He is perfect in attire, charming in manners, fascinating to women. Had lie not been horn a king he would have lived on his charms about town. His private motto then, as now, would have been “Anything but. duty.” Although only .forty-nine years of age, and so easy going, he has filled liis late father’s shoes on more than one occasion. And nothing serious happened. He loves his country as a king should do, hut- his nature refuses to let- him make her troubles his own. He has signed as many as one hundred documents in one morning without knowing their contents. And affairs of State are abhorrent to him. Nevertheless lie has issued a proclamation which is -a model of its kind. Among other nice things he says: “Our aim will always be to unite onr people in the common work of the Fatherland, recognising fully that to this end we must look to the continual co-operation of all cl assets. We exnect the loyal aid of all our subjects; only if the Swedes, as a whole, recognise their responsibility towards the Fatherland can success be obtained.” As Gustav V. is a man of weak will and excellent intentions the loyal Swedes will not enthuse over the precious document, nor will the fulfilment of his ideals ever interfere with his tennis, and his racing, and his love of the play. The new king married Princess Victoria of Baden: she has will power for two. Sweden will have peace under Gustav V. He is not of the stuff warrior kings arc made.