NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE illness of Prince George of Wales, which was very serious, though it is passing away, has warned the Royal family to lose no more time in marrying the ultimate heir, the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The Prince has been re- ported for months to be attached to his second-cousin, the Princess Victoria of Teck, and the Queen has now consented to this marriage, which will take place, it is believed, in March. Neither the Duke nor his future wife are at all well known to Englishmen, and there is a general idea, possibly wholly erroneous, that the former does not inherit either his father's social qualities or his grand.
father's exceptional ability. The alliance, however, in- terests the people, and is decidedly popular,—first, because the bride is English ; and secondly, because she is sup- posed to be like her mother, the Princess Mary, for whom, on account of her geniality, there is a genuine popular liking. The arrangement appears to be an excellent one, and, though Mr. Labouchere says he should oppose any grant of money, we question if the House of Commons will leave the young lady without a dower. Mr. Labonchere mistakes popular feeling, which objects, no doubt, to make grants to Princes and Princesses, preferring that they should marry rich Americans, but is quite ready to provide for those who must actually reign.
