The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-28

ing the channels he is satisfied with COM
mon tent for night-lodging and with the
simple fare of the peasants.
The peculiar brilliant gifts of tine queen's
intellect and conversation, combined with
her afiability and generosity, have won her
the genuine friendship OF many men of
literary and scientific importance. She
gives evening teas where the conversation
flows on gaily without ceremony. Ming
hettl in his time was a constant guest.
Also Bought never failed to put in his
appearance. One of her favorites is Giosui
Carducci, the greatest OF ltaly's living
poets, whom her fascinating manner has
converted from republicanlsm; for, in
spite of their simple manners and even
familiar intercourse, the royal family pride
themselves that their ancient noble house
is superior to all others in the kingdom. :"
The education of the crown prince. now
about 20 years old, aimed chiefly at max
ing him strong and courageous man.
1t is related that during a sea voyage
from Palermo, where he had iourneyed
with his mother, n severe tempest arose,
causing the captain to fear for the safety
of his passengers. He deliberated with
his officers whether it would not be
safer to return to Palermo, and re-
solved to ask the queens advice in the
matter. When the captain stated the
danger to the queen, the little prince was
present. who wrote the following words
on piece of paper: Fear was ever I'M
known to the house of SaVoy'-the motto
of their family. The studies he underwent
were of more practical than literary or
artistic tendency. He takes a special inter
est in ancient history and greatly enjoyed
his recent trips to Asia. When little hoy
he liked to speak of his life at home. The
following little anecdote has been related
by himself:
Unlike the queen, the king is not tai
ented, and lacks especially a musical ear.
Lately the queen deems it necessary to
wear glasses while reading, which papa
greatly dislikes. When she puts them on
he says: 'Margherita, put aside the
glasses but when mamma does not obey
he says: -Margherita, if you do not put
aside the glasses | am going to sing, and
to prevent that catastrophe she quietly
lays down the glasses" A study of the
kings life would show that he has the
same soaring ambition and would be able
to fulfill the same deeds as his father.
He is a man who would show heroism
If it were necessary without any exhibit
ton of affectation or pride, simply be-
cause heroism lies in his nature. During
the cholera epidemic he fearlessly visited
the infected places, and when praised for
this action he said, highly astonished,
even impatiently: Have | done any
thing but my duty" Whenever a catas-
king takes the lead in helping generously.
He has determined will; he was once a
passionate smoker, but when his physi-
elan told him it was detrimental to his
health he abandoned the habit for once
and forever.
But whether he really has the abilities
which the present Italy demands is ques-
tionable. II is a poor country, impOver-
ished by the different crises preceding its
union. 1t also embraces provinces which
have hardly been opened to culture. Such
q country needs rest and relaxation, the
efficacy of a wise and careful statesman
with a clear understanding and superior
ity of judgment, and these traits are not
very prominent in King Umberto. Like
Louis Philippe, he could say: They are
all of the opinion that ! should do my
duty, but the difficulty lies not in doing
my duty. but in the recognition of my
duty" In order TO become clear on
subject he closely follows all the debates
of the chamber and atterward communi-
seek to further the interests OF their party
instead of those of the state.
He understands how to speak and de
lights III it, possessing the gift, so exceed
ingly valuable to king, of saying the
right word at the right minute, though
politicians ind his remarks in private very
undiplOmatlc on account of their frank
ness. Pathos and compliments are utterly
distastefuI TO him. The king also feels il
incumbent on him to admire with great
warmth the temporary premier, so that he
patronized Carroll, Dipretis Crispi, in sue
cession, and now Rudini, and the supreme
power IS actually in the hands of the lead
ing statesmen.