The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-12-02

HE ffINCE Or WALLIS.
duced. But all at once, as it were, he
grew heshy, and long continued exertion
exhausted him; so he took to indoor
amusements and of his public duties
delegated as many as he could. Next he
found himself a grandfather, and they
say he did not feel happy over it.
Most men who still have the spirit of
youth are averse to admitting that they
are old, and this grandfather business
forces that fact on the public and per-
sonal mind. Within a few days past,
however, the prince has quietly cele-
brated his fiftieth birthday, the peol4a
have done enough to show that they real
ly love him, and he is doing a good deal
to prove that he deserves their regard.
He takes renewed interest in the con-
dition of the poor and has lately been,
as the jokers say, doing the Haroun Al
Raschid business"
This means that he has put on the
clothes Of a poor laborer, and sometimes
wig aud false beard, and with one COM
panion similarly disguised has explored
the slums, peered into thieves dens and
beggars' quarters, questioned the dock
labOrers at their work and taken notes
on the methods of life in cheap lodging
houses. This is much easier than might
be thought, for of those who only see the
prince on public occasions not one in ten
thousand would ever recognize him in
common suit. He has been very deeply
moved by what he has seen, and is said
to be putting in many hours of deep
thought as to the best measures of gen.
eral relief.
Albert Edward, Oldest son and second
child of Queen Victoria, was born Nov.
8, 1871, and on March 10, 1868, was mar
ried to Alexandra, oldest daughter of
King Christian TX of Denmark. They
have five children, of whom the young
est, Maud, was born Nov. 26, 1869. 1t
is self evident that boy and man in his
position would be handicapped from the
start, there being on one side fierce de-
mand that he live up to the standard Of
his family's greatness, and on the other
a sort of silent conspiracy to prevent his
learning how to do so. In all PROBABLE
ity the prince has passed many months
together without once hearing any plain,
unbiased statement, such as common
er would would hear every hour in the
day. All VINO approach are, willing or
unwilling, swayed somewhat by hope or
fear. Yet he has done well.
He declined to encourage any special
recognition of his recent birthday, but
some appropriate presents were made.
The actors and theatrical managers Of
London subscribed 81 900 for gold cigar
box, ornamented with his plumes and
monogram in diamonds, and this present
was warmly appreciated by the prince.
Indeed, there is no class in London with
whom he is on better terms than with
the theatrical world. His hearty recog-
milton of talent, unaccompanied by Of
fensive patronizing, and his quick dis
elimination and good taste are highly
valued.
Many amusing stories are told of the
princes experience while travelling III
cognito. On a recent occasion he took
sail with a good natured boatman, and
on parting said, Perhaps you would
Inc W h%OH WIZ all dA tux I4AcS
of Wales"
"Oh, get along with yer~ was the
skeptical reply, as the jocular boatman
punched him in the ribs
a New Yorker who was saucy lad in
1872, travelling in the Old World with
his parents, tells Of meeting the princes
little boys without knowing who they
were, and gaining their good viii so
thoroughly that their father took him 70
dine and pass day with them. There
is a good deal of homelike manhood
about the prince at all times.