Today, the third anniversary of his accession, King George VI enters into the fourth year of his reign under the tragic cloud of war. The year which has just passed has been a memorable one for him, one in which he and his consort, Queen Elizabeth gave splendid evidence of the manner in which they were serving the nation over which they had come to rule, and succeeded in endearing themselves to their people in a wholly unprecedented manner. One of the happiest events of the year was the royal visit to Canada and the United States. That tour was an unqualified success from beginning to end, on the part of the Canadians a demonstration of loyalty which in a very few months was to be put tothe est. That that Dominion in common with the others sprang at once to the call of Empire is due not only to the inherent loyalty of the Canadians to the British Commonwealth, but may be taken as but the fulfilment in deeds of the tacit promise which their enthusiasm over the royal visit undoubtedly gave of their fidelity to the Crown, and the persons of the monarchs. If the visit of the Kisg and Quees were a suees, so also was hat to the United States, where their Majesties were greeted in a manner which dumbfounded the most confirmed optimist. The American public took them to its heart in a manner which was most gratifying to Britons all over the world, and the visit may be looked upon as doing a great deal towards bringing about a completer Anglo-American understanding. From the joy of that tour, it was only a few months to the grim drama of war, and his Majesty faces the stern days ahead an inspiration to the peopl? over whom he has been called to rule. There are few who heard his broadcast following the declaration of war who will not remember the calm, dignified firmness of his address, and the inspiration which it gave to his subjects in all parts of the world. The additional burdens which are thrust upon his shoulders by reason of the war must be considerable, yet he has accepted his responsibilities manfully, and with an ideal of service the example of which stands for all men to see. The Queen too has set a high standard of service for the women of the Empire in times of war, while the picture they present of typically British family life is in itself the best exponent of British tradition. It is not to be expected that the Empire will go thoughout this war without having to undergo grim, and anxious hours, but it must be remembered that it was a George which led the Empire victoriously through the last war, just as his son lead it to success in this, and the splendid examples of service which he and his Queen are setting to the British people will be one of the great factors tending to that victory which they so confidently expect. The manner in which both of them have endeared themselves to their people, the courageous lingness with which they assume new responsibilities and face added dangers make it im-[possible not to hope that they will be spared [many years to continue a reign which has commenced so significantly.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.