The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-16
QUEEN VICTORIA.

Personal Charactsristtcs-StiR and Formal in
Public, but Kindly in Private Life.
Cable special to New York World.
Queen Victoria is very timid, nervous
woman. She lives in constant anticipation of
some. attack upon her life by dynamitsrs or
some crazy person. Two attacks have been
made upon her life, and these attempts have
produced an indelible impression upon her mind.
When she went out during the ceremonies of
last year she did so with the greatest fear and
trembling. On Jubilee day itself she fully ex-
pected unkindly demonstration from some
one. Then she is not strong. It is generally
believed by the English people that she still en-
joys most vigorous health. The health Of a
sovereign in Europe is such serious matter. so
far it affects other interests that until actual
danger is threatened nothing il said upon the
subject. The Queen is very stout, and she has
but little strength. She has to hus-
bard her resources with great care.
She never gives this weakness
excuse for declining to take part in public cere-
monies, and often her refusals regarded
unklnd. She 10 even unable TO Withstand the
fatigue of standing through one drawing-room
She is nearly always obliged to SIT after the first
half-hour, aud even then usually retires before
the close of the reception. calling the Princess
of Wales TO act as her substitute. l have heard
a good many unfavorabl@ comments made upon
the Queen'e abruptness in leaving drawing
room and the short time which she gives TO them
This criticism comes from people who do not
know the condition of the Qusen's health. She
Is so often known to go out riding in all kinds of
weather that everyone has come to believe that
she has unusual health and strength.
An official who comes into frequent intimacy
with the Queen said TO me yesterday that the
popular impression concerning her character
was not correct ons. He said: 81 have NO.
ticed that the majority of people bsisvs that
she is a cold, selfish woman, puffed up with the
pride of her place and extremely sensitive upon
all question: relating to her personal dignity
All who have ever been her guests as Windsor
Castle unite in saying that she 10 very kindly
In private life. and that she is anything but
stiff and csremonious in associAting with those
brought under her roof by special Invitation.
She Is fond of general conversation, likes good
story and often tells herself The dinners
at Windsor Castle. which have been often de-
scribed an such stiff and disagreeable affairs,
are not. There is not the same hghtness and
easy conversation that there would be at q din
ner of intimate friends, but the conversation at
people of prominence and position who not
specially intimate and who are dining in a house
with hoss who is not very well known to
thana.n
The Queen seldom sends invitations much in
lavauce OF the day for which they are given.
This is the one point of complaint against her.
She nearly always summons her guests by tee-
graph, and on the day when they are expected
to be at Windsor Castle. The dispatch always
names the train npon which they are TO depart
from London, and often guest selectsd will
have to drive. rush and hurry the most vio-
lent way in order to be able to get his things
together and make the train. These invitations
are regarded commands. They override all
other engagements. Anyone receiving an in
vita tion from the Queen any member of the
for canoeing any other engagements necessary
to its acceptauco.