The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-08-21
MONACO PALACE.
Blind Prince Who Does Much for the
Limited Number of His Subjects.

Blind Prince Who Does Much for the
Limited Number of His Subjects.
After seeing the games at Monte
Carlo l visited the palace of Prince
Charles at Monaco Careless writers
use the names Interchangeable. Be it
understood, then, that the great gamb-
ling hell is within and part of the
diminutive principally of Monaco.
The less is included in the greater,
The Princes palace is situated at the
other end of his possessions, about
mile from Monte Carlo. He never oc-
eupies it. He lives in luxurious retire
ment at Paris on the large revenues de-
rived from lease of the gambling mo-
nopoly. But he is cut off from many
Of the pleasures of this life, as he is
stone blind His ample income en-
tbles him to remit all taxes to his few
thousand subjects and to keep Il really
beautiful palace on show for all
Corners. Not to be wanting in
any of the outward signs of sover-
eighty he maintains an army of hand
some fellows-sixty-fve strong-and
has park of highly FURNISHED artillery
pointing Stewards. Hundreds OF can
non balls are piled up symmetrically
in his palace yard. AT the great gates
Of the editice, as | approached it,
stood two very good-looking soldiers.
One rested gracefully on his shin
ing musket and the other played
with a tame crow which hoped
about in the grass. Seeing me he
recovered his erect position and dig
nifty and returned my courteous salute.
| asked permission to enter the palace.
With a gesture he referred me to
gorgeous parsonage, looking like three
Major-Generals rolled into one, who
suddenly appeared in q doorway. |
took him for the commander-in-ch
Of the army. But he was only the
concierge. With a profound bow he
requested my visiting card, which |
gave him. Then, after registering my
name, | was turned over to another
less splendid-but still imposing Off
cial who showed me through the long
galleries and suits of rooms. They are
full of costly pictures and statues and
magnificently upholstered. But they
have the cold, cherries atmosphere
and stuffy smell of all uninhabited
houses, however grand. l was glad to
escape from the wearisome round into
the open air.
! The blind Prince not only exempts
his subjects from taxes, but he provides
for several good schools and is a liberal
supporter of the Roman Catholic
Church. A fine cathedral is now rising
at Monaco. AS no resident, but only
the stranger, is allowed access to the
Casino at Monte Carlo, the local popu-
lation is not hurt by the games. Speak
ing of suicides, | have learned that
only two days before writing my last
letter on this subject, man who had
lost his all at one of the tables, suddenly
whipped out pistol and shot himself.
He was quietly removed and the rou-
lette and trente ct quarente went on
without interruption. A lady, who had
been watching the play on one occasion
told me that she saw person seize
from the table a little pile of money
which had been won by another. He
appealed for redress to the superintend-
ent of the Casino. The latter did not
stop to inquire into the justice of the
claim, but Immediately paid over to
the second player the sum which he
said had been publicly stolen from
him. This little incident proves the
constant anxiety of the "administra-
ton to avoid dsagreeable scenes and
scandals. But the suicides can not be
stopped, as men, acting under the sud
den impulse of despair, will kill them
selves before the bank can solace them
with the donations it is always ready
to make for the relief of ruined game
sters. The French Government could,
if it would-in the capacity of protect
or and powerful neighbor-suppress
the monstrous evil of Monte Carlo.
But Prince Charles manages to keep in
favor at Paris, not merely by his per-
sonal residence there, but by full
blown legation, which he maintains
at the French capital for diplomatic
purposes. just like first class sover-
ion -,J02Irnnl of G01n1lle)cp