The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-02-10 00:00:00

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND
MR. GLADSTONE.

Writing from Nice on the 4th, the Correspondent of
The TiMPA says
The Prince of Wales met the Comte de Paris, who
has just returned to Cannes, at the sowed of the
Duchess of Montrose. His Royal Highness has not
been favoured with fine weather during his visit,
there having been a dull sky throughout the week, and
much rain having fallen.

I visited °Wean Scottthismorning, arid just arrived
in time to see the Premier, with Mrs. and Miss
Gladstone, and the Hon. S. G. Littleton, who were
going to morning service at St, Paulo', Boulevard de
Cannes. A surprising change has taken place in
the condition of Mr. Gladstone since he name here.
He was walking briskly about the hall this morning,
talking and laughing freely, and seemed altogether a
new mln. Mrs. Gladstone drew my attention to his
cheerfulness and freshness; and said that he was now
much better. He takes a great deal of exercise—much
more than many men thirty years his junior—sleeps
well, has a good appetite, and is enjoying himself
here immensely.

Under date Nice, Feb. 6, the correspoßdent of The
Times says :

Mr. Gladstone was present to-day at the closing
festivities of the Carnival. The Premier, who was
accompanied by Mrs. and Miss Gladstone, a niece of
Lord Wolverton, and his secretary, was received at
the railway station on his arrival from Cannes by the
Prefect of the Alps Maritimes, M. Lagrange de
Langre, with whom he drove direct to the Prefecture,
appearing on the crowded platform erected opposite
the square soon after the commencement of the Gene
Carnavalegius.
The weather was of the brightest and sunniest
kind, such as we have had but little of this season.
Mr. Gladstone, who looked remarkably well, was
led to the second . ow of the balcony, immediately
behind the members of the Committee, and from
the first appeared greatly interested and amused by
the animated pageant that for two hours defiled
before him. But as be wore a tall hat—the only one
visible in the town to-day—his prominent position
made him a target for all the confetti; thousands of
the throwers of which pelted the illustrious statesman
without knowing who tneir victim was. The Premier
received this inevitable shower of plaster pellets with
the utmost good humour, protecting his face with a
little wire mask, and laughing gaily all the time. He
did not, however, make any attempt to return the fire,
although Mrs. and Miss Gladstone entered with great
ardour into the excitement of confetti throwing.

After a short luncheon at the Prefecture, the party
were driven through the principal streets in a private
omnibus by M. Lagrange de Langre. The ladies
were put inside, but Mr. Gladstone mounted gallantly
to the knifeboard with the Prefect, and again received
along the entire route a continuous volley. He assured
the Prefect, on taking leave, that he had passed a
most enjoyable day, and only regretted that he could
not remain for the night fête; but he was obliged to
return to Cannes to receive his letters from England.
The persons who were presented to him during the
afternoon were charmed by his affability and gaiety.

The Prince of Wales was also present, but his
Royal Highness, who was in an open carriage, wore a
mask and a domino, so that he was not recognised as
he passed in the Corso procession, in the fun of which
he took a very lively part.
As I write the Carnival is ending in a blaze of fire-
works, and is thus dying more gaily than it had lived,
for with the exception of to-day the weather has been
generally unfavourable.

The Prince of Wales with a small party of friends,
occupied the Prefect's box in the Tribune of Honour
during the firework display, which was unusually fine.