The New York herald., 1879-11-30
The Princess of Austria Kneels to the
Virgin Of AtOcha.
MADRID HOLDS WASsAIL.
Celebrating the Event with BuQ Fights,
Banquets and Boleros o
A WEDDING IN OLD CASTLE.
IBY CABLE TO THE HERALD


The nuptials of Alfonso Kill, King of Spain,
and Archduchess Marie Christine, of Austria,
were celebrated this morning. Madrid woke
early. The first banners were streaming from
the roofs at dawn. From every quarter of
the city the populace focked to their
holiday. Troops of cavalry dashed up and
down the streets and military bands
promenaded the Prado. The walls are
covered with announcements of coming bull
fights the cafes are thronged with foreigners,
and all day long the ten broad streets have
poured into the Puerta del Sol their endless
stream Of people and carriages. The Madrile1o
has little thought of the political significance Of
the marriage. He is content to enjoy the golden
hour as it flies. He has come out to the Prado
N ruffied shirt and plumed hat, and having paid
his homage to the Queen is now preparing for
the fates, which are to be by far the most notable
part of the royal marriage
SUMMONED TO THE CHAPEL
The ceremony of this morning resembled so
closely the ceremony which defled through the
Gale Mayor in January, 1878, when Alfonso
and his fair cousin Mercedes were united, that
[ need not send you prolonged description.
At eleven o'clock the King, who looked joyous
and happy, left the Royal Palace for the Chapel
Of Atocha. He was preceded by Queen Isa-
bella, the Princess of the Asturias the Infantas
and the great dignitaries and Ministers
of State. The streets were lined with
soldiers. Behind them the populace was massed
in dense array. The Archduchess, having come
in the morning from the Pardo Castle, changed
her toilet for bridal attire at the Ministry of
Marine. whittier she had been accompanied by
her mother and by members of her suite. She
proceeded to the Atocha Church by way of the
Carrcra di San Geronimo, the King having
passed along the Gale de Alcala. She was re-
ceived at the doors by members of the dplo-
matte corps, by number of grandees of Spain
and q commission from the Legislative Cham
bers.
BEFORE THE ALTAR.
The scene in the church was very fine and i'm
pressive All the tribunes were decorated with
silk aud velvet hangings, which, with the rich
uniforms of the diplomatic and military bodies,
and with the beautiful toilets Of the ladies,
offered fine effects and contrasts of color.
The chapel is full of memories to the .Bour-
bons. Here, when Ferdinand VII. con-
spired against his parents, he first bowed
down before the celebrated image of the
Virgin, the patronesa Of Madrid and
protectress of the royal family. Here when he
was rescued from the power of Savary, he took
the ribbon of the Immaculate Conception from
his neck and hung it upon the image. Here he
offered thanks after his restoration. When q
queen is married the Virgin claims her wedding
dress. Kings are said to have embroid-
cred petticoats and laid them here. Queen
Isabella was on her way to the shrine when
she was stabbed by Marino. Her robe, pierced
by the dagger, was offered to the local tutelar
A. succession of pious princes enriched the
church. Luca Giordano painted the ceilings.
Above the heavy altar hang banners Of Spanish
victories, and around it lies litter of clothes,
crutches aud votive tablets offered by the cured
sick for the Virgins Intervention.
BLESSING TIE UNION.
The King was the first to enter the church.
Queen Isabella walked by his side. The young
bride seemed to be laboring under great emo
tion, but got through the ceremony with more
composure than was expected. The nuptal
benediction was then pronounced. Mass was
celebrated by the Cardinal Patriarch Of the In
dies, representing the Pope. After the ceremony
thu ncwly welded pair drove through the city,
preceded by brilliant cortegc. The Queen was
enthusiastically greeted by the populace. To-
night there were iluminations in honor of the
evcnt. Tomorrow King Alfonso will present
his bride tn the Ambassadors and authorities
Ex-Quccn Isabella will also hold receptions.
NAaNIrIcENcE OF THE BRIDAL PRESENTS FOR
THE NEW ouEES-rHE ROYAL TRoussEAu
Among the jcwelry presented to the Arch
duchess Christine by members of the Imperial
anmily is noticeable first that of the En-.
,cror and Empress. 1t Is diadem made
II the form of wreath of roses and rosc
caves, and composed of diamonds and sap
2hrcs. On viewing 1t 1t is hard to say which
y more admirable, the size and spendor of
l,c jewels or the artistic perfection of the
workmanship. Then there is crown about
i've inches high, made of the most superb
brilliants, which set in such fashion as
to make tho crown look rs If cut ont OF one
stone. The necklace belonging to this is COM
posed of brilliants of the largest and rarest
kind. These two articles are presented by the
Archduchcss mother, Elizabeth. A superb