Connecticut western news., 1889-03-20
A BABY KING.

A BABY klNG.
 The Daily Life of Spain's Future
 Ruler.
 The Blonde-haired Monarch
 and His Autocratic Nurse.
 Very soon the exceedingly blue 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, re- joices in vast variety of baptismal aames in addition to the Alphonso by which he is to be known in history. He IS, moreover, the 'swell- beloved son" of che Roman Pontiff; the "brother" of all other wearers of crowns; the cousin of the Spanish grandees; his mother, the Queen Regent, speaks of him simply yet tendcr:y as ''the child" Alphonso XIII IS an exceedingly handsome little fellow, with blonde hair which falls in beautiful chrls upon his shoulders. He is all yayety, light-heartedness, and smiles. His joyous little Majesty gives no thought to his exalted position or his fu- ture 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 uniformed Minister comes from the Queens Chamber, carrying under his arm a portfolio stuffed with papers which have caused discussions, intrigues, and great political debates, his Majesty, from his nurses arms, smiles upon him as though to say, "What has all that to do with mel"
 King Baby already enjoys the glories of military and civil household. The generals and aides 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 establi hment consists of the governess, Mme. Tacon, who held the same position toward the late King; the doctors who are attached exclusive ly to the royal person, two or three major-domos, lady of honor, and several pages, footmen and servants. The famous m onteros of Espin osa 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, dressed and handed over to the wet-nurse, who, in addition to the semi maternal duties which there is no longer any necessity that she should fulfil, takes him out for air ings and bears him in her arms at State ceremonies. The nurse, Raymunda, at night occupies a bed by the side of the royal crib. Directly the King is dressed he is taken to his mother, who impa- tently awaits his arrival. He is some times present at the early morning audi ences to Ministers and members of the royal family. His favorite amusement while Queen Christina is thus occupied is to strum upon the table with his chub- by little fingers. Raymunda is faith full creature, and is almost as fond of her charge as the Queen herself. Upon one occasion great lady wished to see the King, and the Queen accompanied her to the youngsters apartments; but Ray munda barred the way. "You can't come in," was her peremptory decision Che 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 equery who gal lops bravely by its side and forms the only escort. He dimes alone at we'll garnished table. King Baby has only one trouble in life. It is trouble which might drive some grown-up pco- pie to madness; bu@, since he is entirely unconscious of it, it does not worry him very much. The photographer is always on the lookout for him. Scarcely a week has passed since he was born without a demand from some fresh pho- tographer to be allowed to take his portrait. He has been photographed standing, sitting, in his mothers arms, upon her lap, or holding 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 photographer to possess a negative of the King, since his portraits sell by thousands, 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 minia- lures.
 Queen Christina experiences a great deal of difficulty Tn 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, howercr high her rank who would not be proud to say, "My