Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-11-27
Spain's Dead King.

SPANS Dead King
Had Alfonso, King Of Spain, lived until
to-day he would have been % years of age.
He was proclaimed King in December,
1874, but did not return to Spain until
January, 1875. In 1876 he was with his
army during its operations against the
Carlists, and commanded 1t at the time of
their overthrow in March of that year.
After this success he returned to Madrid
in triumph, and continued TO reign until
his death in comparative peace. Two at
tempts were made on his life while he oc-
cupied the throne. One was by work
man in October, 1878, at Madrid, and the
other was by a youth in December, 1879,
also at Madrid. On each occasion the
weapon used was a pistol. Alfonso suf
fered no injury, although on the second
occasion bullet passed perilously near
him.
Alfonso appears to have been a man of
fair abilities and good deal of character.
He managed to get along without much
trouble by obeying the popular will. He
didn't attempt TO hold on to his Ministers
when it became certain that the people
didn't want them.
Alfonso, as is generally known, was the
eldest son Of Isabella H., who was driven
from the Spanish throne in 1868, and who
| abdicated in his favor in 1870, at Paris.
He was twice married. His first wife was
his cousin, Marie de los Mercedes, daugh-
ter of the Duke Of MOntpensier. She died
| five months after her marriage, at the age OF
| Is years. Alfonso's second wife, who sur
wives him, was Maria Christina. the
daughter of Archduke Ferdinand of Aus
tria. The second marriage occurred in
November, 1879.
Eighteen months ago Alfonso was at
tackled with catarrhal fever, and was
quite an invalid during the summer OF
1884. He never fully recovered his health.
although he was able to attend to public
affairs. About the time that the difficulty
between Spain and Germany about the
| Caroline Islands arose, he took a severe
cold, which quickly developed alarming
| symptoms. His condition was kept from
the public as long as possible. The Irreg-
ularities OF his private life untitled him
probably for battling successfully with
| disease.
In some respects he was a good ruler.
He respected the wishes Of the people.
and during the existence of the cholera
last summer visited the afflicted districts
in order to inspire the people with cour-
age.
All is quiet in Spain now, but changes
are probable. Alfonso left two daughters.
/ the elder Of whom, Mercedes, five wears
Of age, is Queen under the regency Of her
mother. The regency will be a long one.
| provided it continues throughout the mi
nority Of the young Queen. There are
longings for a Republic, however, which
may find expression before many years.
Actors are not usually very romantic.
! There is young man in the Efie Ellsler
combination, however, who is a notable
exception TO the rule. six monthe ago he
fell madly in love with handsome ac.
tress, and because she would not return
his affection, he went 10 the North west
and Joined in the Riel rebellion. II was
announced that he died on the battle field.
few weeks ago he returned 70 the
United States well Off with the old love.
lie then began to worship Miss Esslers'
leading lady, and the other day in Louis
vile threatened 70 kill himself II she
would not drop Der lover and marry him.
=--=--
There viii be weeping and wailing per-
haps among the few at Atlanta who
favored high license, with the hope that
high license system would close up
about all the barrooms In that town ex-
cept the one in the Kimball house. The
people OF Atlanta have declared IN
favor Of closing all the barrooms, and the
blinds OF the gorgeous barroom Of the
kimban house VIII have TO be pulled
down.