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Editorial
November 9, 1936
Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
What is this article about?
William Pickens argues in favor of Edward VIII marrying an American woman, dismissing outdated royal traditions of strategic marriages as irrelevant in the modern era where commoners hold more importance and alliances with minor royals are unnecessary.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
William Pickens Sizes Up Proposed Marriage Of King To An American
BY WILLIAM PICKENS
Long before Edward the Eighth was born, one of the kings cried out in a certain predicament: "A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!"
According to gossipy American papers, Edward VIII is about to defy all Britain in the case of a woman: "My kingdom for a woman!"
So far as we personally are concerned, any good American woman, cultured, refined and educated, white, black or brown, is just as good as any "princess" of the same good qualities,-even if the American woman's father was a plumber and her mother a seamstress,-or what-not.
We suppose, also that the average Britisher, in his right mind, thinks the same about that as we do,--but there is tradition, once a useful tradition, when it meant much to a state or an empire to be allied with some other powerful dynasty. Kings had to do all they could to strengthen their positions in the world. There was no object or gain in marrying a "commoner": they married their sons and daughters to persons who would bring some gain to them in a diplomatic or strategic way or sense.
Our millionaires nowadays try to marry their offspring to other millionaires.
That is all understandable, but the reason for it has largely disappeared: kingdoms have disappeared. The common people have gained in relative importance. England does not need alliance with any of the little royal families now in existence. Edward is rather modern. It may be his bad luck to be a breaker of tradition.
It would have to be broken soon.-or the future kings of England may find themselves compelled to be without mates or to marry their cousins.
If Edward wants to marry "Wallie," why in the-name of the Lord should we care?
BY WILLIAM PICKENS
Long before Edward the Eighth was born, one of the kings cried out in a certain predicament: "A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!"
According to gossipy American papers, Edward VIII is about to defy all Britain in the case of a woman: "My kingdom for a woman!"
So far as we personally are concerned, any good American woman, cultured, refined and educated, white, black or brown, is just as good as any "princess" of the same good qualities,-even if the American woman's father was a plumber and her mother a seamstress,-or what-not.
We suppose, also that the average Britisher, in his right mind, thinks the same about that as we do,--but there is tradition, once a useful tradition, when it meant much to a state or an empire to be allied with some other powerful dynasty. Kings had to do all they could to strengthen their positions in the world. There was no object or gain in marrying a "commoner": they married their sons and daughters to persons who would bring some gain to them in a diplomatic or strategic way or sense.
Our millionaires nowadays try to marry their offspring to other millionaires.
That is all understandable, but the reason for it has largely disappeared: kingdoms have disappeared. The common people have gained in relative importance. England does not need alliance with any of the little royal families now in existence. Edward is rather modern. It may be his bad luck to be a breaker of tradition.
It would have to be broken soon.-or the future kings of England may find themselves compelled to be without mates or to marry their cousins.
If Edward wants to marry "Wallie," why in the-name of the Lord should we care?
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Edward Viii
Royal Marriage
American Woman
Tradition
Wallis Simpson
What entities or persons were involved?
Edward Viii
William Pickens
Wallie
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Edward Viii's Proposed Marriage To An American Woman
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Breaking Royal Marriage Traditions
Key Figures
Edward Viii
William Pickens
Wallie
Key Arguments
Any Cultured American Woman Is As Good As A Princess Regardless Of Background
Royal Marriages Were Once For Strategic Alliances But That Need Has Disappeared
Modern England Does Not Require Ties To Minor Royal Families
Tradition Must Be Broken Or Future Kings Will Lack Suitable Mates
Edward Should Marry Who He Wants Without Interference