A most wrong-headed attempt has been made to induce the
King to exercise his prerogative of mercy on behalf of Mr. MacSwiney. We are sorry to see that the pressure which is being exerted to try to persuade the King to act over the heads of his Ministers comes largely from Liberal newspapers. The excuse, of course, is that this is "an exceptional case" and that, as a rule, Liberals would have no thought of suggesting the use of a prerogative which by general admission has lapsed. It would be utterly wrong to retrace the steps of practice and custom, and it is useless at this time of day to quote from Black- stone. Have the Liberals who pleaded with the King to intervene really thought what the result would be if their plan were adopted ? Sooner or later their political opponents would demand the exercise of the Royal prerogative. It might be in a ease which would seem to Liberals outrageous. Yet those who demanded this " outrage " would have just as much right as Liberals have now to say that the circumstances were excep- tional. Who shall judge in such a matter ? The only safe way is for the King to act through his Ministers, and it will be a bad day for the country and the Monarchy when the King departs from that principle. Happily we can rely upon the King to act correctly and constitutionally in all matters.
Previous page
