The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-03-09
HIS BABY MAJESTY.
How tho King of Spain Is Petted by His
Mother and His Nurses.

| very SOOu bn5 ehCetulUSlN DluC-
blooded little gentleman who was born
King of Spain will celebrate his third
birthday. This sovereign, who has been
In the world little more than thirty
months, and has succeeded in that brief
space in calming the spirit of faction.
rejoices in a vast variety OF baptis-
NAL names in addition to the Alphonso
by which he is to be known in history.
He is, moreover, the swell beloved
son" of the Roman Pontifr; the
"brother'' of all other wearers of
crowns; the cousin of the Spanish
grandees; his mother, the Queen
Regent. speaks of him simply yet ten
derly as 'the child" Alphonsos XIII.
Is an exceedingly handsome little fell
low, with blonde hair which falls in
beautiful curls upon his shoulders.
He is all gaity, ightheartedness and
smiles. His joyous little Majesty gives
40 thought to his exalted position or
bis future destinies. He reigns, but
does not govern, leaving to his mother
the care of signing every day great
bundles of decrees and appointments.
| And when u uniformed Minister comes
from the Queens Chamber, carrying
under his arm u portfolio stuffed with
papers which have caused discussions,
intrigues and political debates, his
Majesty, from his nurses arms,
smiles upon him as though to say,
"What has all that to do with me?n
King Baby already enjoys the glories
of u military and n civil household.
The Generals and aides-de camp of the
late King Alphonso are attached to the
service of the Queen, but technically
they form his Majesty's military house,
hold. The civil establishment consists
of the governess, Nine. Tacon, who
held the same position toward the late
King; the doctors who are attached ex-
clusively to the royal person; two or
three major domos, Il lady of honor, and
several pages, footmen and servants.
The famous monteros of Espinosa watch
over the Kings sleep, in an apartment
adjoining the royal bed-chamber. The
little monarch's life is very simple. He
rises at an early hour, is bathed,
nurse, who, in addition to the semi
maternal duties which therei is no long
erany necessity that she should fulfil;
takes him out for airings and bears
him in her arms at State ceremonies.
The nurse; Raymunda, at night occu-
pies bed by the side of the royal crib.
Directly the King is dressed he is taken
to his mother, who impatiently awaits
his arrival. He is sometimes present
Mt the early morning audience to Min
isters and members of the royal family.
His favorite amusement while Queen
Christina is thus occupied is TO strum
upon the table with his chubby little
fingers. Raymunda is faithful crea-
ture, and is almost as fond of her charge
as the Queen herself. Upon one occa-
sion a great lady wished to see the
King, and the Queen accompanied her
to the youngsters apartment; but Ray
munda barred the way. "You can't
come in," was her peremptory decis-
ion; "he is asleep" The Queen and
the Duchess retired smiling.
When the weather is fine the King
drives out. Naturally he possesses his
own carriage, with an equerry who
gallops brayeiy by its side and forms
the only escort. He dimes alone at Il
well-garnished table. King Baby has
only one trouble in life. Ii is trouble |
which might drive some grown-up
people to madness; but, since he is en- |
tirely unconscious of it, it does not |
worry him very much. The photo |
grapher is always on the lookout for
him. Scarcely week has passed since
he was born without a demand from
some fresh photographer to be allowed
to take his portrait. He has been pho
tographed standing, sitting, in his
mothers arms, upon her lap. or hold
ing her by the hand; with his hat on
and his hat off; full-face, profile, and,
in short, in every possible position. 1t
is the ambition of every Madrid pho
tographer to possess negative OF the
King, since his portraits sell by thou
sands, not merely in Spain, but in most
civilized countries. And this is not
all. He has been painted in oil, he has
been engraved and etched, and is the
original of numberless miniatures.
Queen Christina experiences great
deal of difficulty in procuring for the
little monarch those childish pleasures
which are enjoyed by all children of
less exalted rank. There is always
the fear of causing jealousy; and there
is ever intrigue to be reckoned with.
There is no lady in Spain, however
high her rank, who would not be proud
to say, "My boy has played with the
King" Then there is that terrible
Spanish etiquette; and il is almost i'm
possible to prevent II youthful play
nate from breaking the many regula-
ions with which Spanish King is
ledged around. Usually, therefore, {
lie is surrounded by grown-up people. '
st. James Gazette.
An Interesting Experiment. C