26 JANUARY 1901, Page 1

But all these, though splendid qualities in a ruler, are

not the qualities that make men love their possessor. We have drawn the picture of a good, noble-hearted woman, but of one who kindles not so much affection, as veneration and respect. Fortunately for the nation and the Queen, she was no mere female Aristides. In addition to all else she had a goodness of heart and a generosity of nature that made her a natural object for love. Kindliness was one of the most marked characteristics of her nature, and made all her severer good qualities warm and living. True kindliness is not so common a virtue as is sometimes supposed, but the Queen possessed it, and it crowned her nature.