The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-05-07
CHRISTINA OF SPAIN.
The Studies and Employment of the Queen
Regent.


A correspondent of the London Times
writing from Madrid, gives the follow
ing sketch of the new Quccn-regent.
''Seldom, if ever, in the history of
nations has it fallen to the lot of n
woman to have TO occupy, almost with
out moments warning, the difficult
and delicate if not dangerous position
now filled by Queen Christina, as re-
gent of Spain for an infant daughter, or
possible infant son yet unborn.
''Little-too little-is known as yet in
this country and abroad as to the char
acter and talents of Maria Christina. but
those who know her best have the firm
conviction that she has both the capacity
and the will to discharge the duties of
her high position with honor to herself
and advantage to her country. Born in
1858, the Queen-regcnt is now in her
18th year. Educated with her BROTH
ers, she has knowledge of many
Breaches of science and literature not
generally forming part of u girls educa-
ton, and even since her marriage she
has steadily continued her habits of
study. Appointed in 1876 lay Abbess of
the Convent of Noble Ladies' in Prague,
she resigned that dignity to become
queen, marrying on Nov. 29, 1879, Don
Alfonso.
maria Christina. endowed with all
the qualities which should make her
husband happy, endeavored from the
first to console Alfonso for the losses
that he had sustained in his most
first wife and of his favorite sister.
L., al,
memory of Marin dc las Mercedes, she
suggested that this should be the name
given to her own first child, the Princess
of the Asturias. Since her arrival in
Spain Queen Christina has kept herself
entirely aloof from party politics, and
from court intrigues, combining herself
to the duties of her household and the
anxious care of her children. AS things
have turned out. it would perhaps have
been better il the sclf-eti,acemcnt of the
queen in the wife had not been carried
out so completely and so dsinterestedly.
But, on the other hand, there is the adj
vantage, for her children and the state,
that the regent is compromised with no
party, has no camarilla, and has no
private interests to serve that might
clash with those of the nation which she
has been called upon to govern.
From her all ministries formed con-
stitutionally may safely expect the most
perfect impartiality. Maria Christina
possesses both energy and firmness of
character, and she has shown these
qualities, with great self-sacrficc, during
the last fortnight The new Ministers,
individually and collectively, give her
the highest praise, and even express
surprise at the prudence and tact which
she has displayed. She has been ac-
cused of certain GOODNESS of manner,
but have the best reasons for knowing
and stating that this is the mask, not
an uncommon one, for excessive timidity
and modesty. Not the slightest breath
of SANDER, in court somewhat given
to this fault. has ever fallen upon the
good fame of the first lady in the land.
"She has expressed the desire that a
complete amnesty should be granted to
all political emigrants and to the press,
that the policy of Don Alfonso, in gen.
eral, and more particularly in separ-
ating questions of the army and national
defense from politics, should be carried
out as far rs the constitution permits.
| Thus begins her regency. Even the
most captious can not find any real fault
with this programme, which, if success
fully carried out, should help to secure
to the Spanish nation peace, prosperity,
and all the liberties enjoyed in the most
advanced and cultured Of nations.
THAT % per cent of the Spanish
nation is DESTROYS that the tranquility
promised should become an accom-
| plished fact is undoubted. 1t remains
to be seen whether public opinion con-
tinues sufficiently powerful to bride the
passions and personal ambitions of tho
remaining per cent, either theoretical
political enthusiasts, or professional
political agitators. who in the past have
| been the sources of incalculable disaster
| to Snain. y