Before we deal with the Budget we must record the
splendid act of generosity and public spirit by the King, which was announced in Monday's newspapers. The King, through the Keeper of the Privy Purse, has placed a gift of £100,000 at the disposal of the Government. The money is to be used by them in whatever way they consider the most conducive to national interests. The whole nation is deeply touched by the King's generosity. It is a noble act, and accomplished with that good taste and entire lack of self-glorification or self-advertisement to which the King has accustomed his people. Let no one suppose that the sacrifice kr not a great one. The King's income, as incomes go nowadays, is not even nominally a large one, and the calls upon his purse in war time are tremendous. There are literally hundreds of good causes which desire and deserve the endorsement of a subscription from the King. What has made the King's generous act possible has, of course, been the good sense with which he and the Queen have managed their private finances. Though there has never been any meanness or want of reasonable and proper dignity in the daily life of Royalty, there have also been no waste and no undue lavishness. This honourable reticence in expenditure has made it possible for the King to do what he has done.
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