Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-08-02
THE LAST ROYAL WEDDING AND
SCANDAL.
victoria's Singular Conduct.

Vlctorias slngular Conuuct.
The London correspondent of the
Chicago Journal gives the following par
ticulars of the recent marriage and sac
ri6ce Of one of Queen Victoria s daugh-
ters:
A ROYAL MARRIAGE
All these matters, however, pale be-
meath the great event of the week, the
marriage of Princess Helena, the third
daughter of Queen Victoria, which took
place on Thursday last There is some
thing really distressing about the affair,
as you will admit when | narrate the
facts. The match, from first to last, has
been distasteful to the nation, and now
that the Queen has persisted in sacri-
fcing her child, if she could read the
hearts Of her people she would lind
therein recorded an universal sentence
of condemnation. 1t was supposed,
some little time since. that the marriage
would not take place, but the Queen was
obstinate and persisted in her determine
ton.
The real truth is, that aside from other
objections to the bridegroom, he actually
has wife and fonr children living in
Germany. 1t is true that the marriage
was what was called morganatic one,
but it was solemnized, nevertheless, un-
der the authority Of the church. Whether
the Princess Helena was aware of this
fact or not is doubtful, but the Queen
was, and recklessly trampled all consid-
erations of morality and justice, to say
nothing of religion, under foot, 1t is
we'll known that she was demonstrated
with on the subject but to no effect. She
had set her mind upon the marriage, and
defended her future son-in-law with the
utmost spirit.
The cause of her inlatuation has just
been revealed. When the statue Of the
late Prince Consort was inaugurated in
Germany last year, the Queens atten-
ton was attracted by one of the specta
tors who seemed to be overwhelmed with
emotion, and throughout the ceremony
his handkerchief was constantly EN-
ployed in wiping from his face what were
apparently tears. (Some who were pre-
sent say, for tears read perspiration.)
This sort of conduct was just the thing to
touch the Queens sensibilities. She in
uuired at once who the individual was,
and learned that it was Prince Christian
of Schleswig. Holstein. She sent for him,
took a fancy TO him, and finally threw
her daughter into his arms, since which
her infatuation has been complete There
is scarcely any one who does not believe
that this petty German Prince, poor even
to poverty, his real income being only
about thousand dollars year, an ad-
venturer, notorious gambler and sport.
ing man, O man with all the low vices of
the German character and none of its
virtues, was simply playing part which
he had thoroughly studied beforehand.
Conscious of the Queens weakness, he
purposely placed himself in her way,
and by his crocodile tears on the occa-
sion mentioned, secured an interest in
her which he has managed to increase
and retain until he has finally accom-
plished bis purpose. | am sorry to say
there is no room 10 doubt the correct
ness af these statements
II was the place of the Prince of
Wales TO give away his sister At the altar
he plumply refused 70 do 50, although
he was present at the ceremony, to avoid
future scandal, Failing him, that duty
devolved upon his young brother, the
Duke of Cambridge He not only de-
clined, but was not presest at the we'd
ding at all The bridegroom father,
brother and sister, although specially.in-
vited by the Queen, all refused to come
to England, and by their presence sane
ton the outrage thenscommitted. AL
though it is sad affair, and while much
sympathy is felt for the young bride, the
auguries for her future are Of the dark
est character, and the Queen, her
mother, has sunk TO very low degree in
the estimation Of her subjects The
newly welded pair have gone to Osborne
to pass the honeymoon.