New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-02
RICHEST PRINCE OF EUROPE.
ENGAGEMENT OF THE GRAND-DUKE flERED-
ITARY o. LUAEMBOURG-A SECOND
MONTE CARLO


between Prussia and Belgium. has attracted more
attention In Europe during the last month than at
almost any time In Its history This Is due 10 three
facts. Primary Importance naturally attaches to the
engagement of The hereditary Grand Duke and the
Princess Maria Anna. Of Braganza. now tlrty-one
years old, the daughter Of Prince Miguel. who died IN
1866. The Prince. who will celebrate the fortyhr
anniversary Of his birth next month, Is the richest
Royal Highncss In Europe. lie has a fortune OF
$50, 900 600 In his own right and upon the death OF
his father the martialloOkns Grand Duhc. will inherit
much more.
The Prince was young man when the war Of 1866
broke out between Austria and Prussia. His father
at that time WAS the Duke Of Orange Nassau. with
his capital at Wesbaden. The beautiful city was then
as famous for It's gaming tables as is Monte Carl"
today and the receipts from this source formed Che
foundation for the enormous family fortune But
the Duke was unfortunate enough TO cast his lot with
Austria In The struggle and like the King OF Hanover
found himself after KOeniggraetz without throne.
lie took up his residence In Vienna, where his son
entered the army, becoming in time commanding
general.
The fortunes of the d,cal hons" changed again III
1883 when the King of the Netherlands died. Ac-
cording to the constitution Of the Grand Duchy Of
Luxembourg. only male member Of the House Of
Orange could succeed TO the throne which the King
had occupied in connection with that Of the Neither
lands. AS he left no son. DIXIE William OF Nassau,
8 the Kings COUSIN became OfaDl DHh' OI iHN'iH-
bourg.
The Prince who will eventually succeed to the
crown Is a short heavily set ordinary In ap
pearance and in striking contrast 10 his handsome
and royal-looking father. He Is, like most OF IN"
members OF his house. extremely near-sghied ana Is
obliged 10 glasses constantly. without them he
Is positively helpless. and has been placed several
fines In consequence Of their loss. in embarrassing
situations when serving the head OF bis regiment
A. In bpe caused BIZ his engagement.
rs II was generally believed that he was confirmed
bachelor Time aud again there have been report,
Of his cement TO this or that princess. but they
proved 10 he without foundation. He continued. TOO
with advancing Yeas TO grow stoutor ana i'S'
romantic TO the great chagrin OF his father. "h"
made every effort TO induce him to unite his fortunes
with those of some attractive member OF rcirnine
house To these entreates NJ has at last given ear
The future Grand Duchess In strange contrast TO
her future lord Is woman Of singular ana strlk'S
beauty. She Is dark, stately and graceful Win eyes
OF great brllliancy. Her brother. Don Miguel Is IN"
Legtimist pretcnder to the throne OF Portugal who
hes given the royal family Of that country hahN
restless nights. one OF her sisters Is the VII" "i
Duke Charles Theodor Of Bavaria. the famous oouis
who devo,es his time and fortune TO improving th"
sight OF his cousins subjects stu another sister
Is the Arch-Duchess Marie Therese wife OF the
probable future Emperor OF Austria tird Is the
Princess Of the SHOWS" and fourth Is tie Duch"ss
Of Parma.
Bat Luxembourg at present attracts attention Tor
other reasons besides the marriage OF the crown
Prince The directors OF the Monte Carlo Society
the Societe International de Jcuxcncouagec by th'
enormous gains OF the gambling tables Of Mona'o.
and fearing that the Prince will withdraw his con
cesson TO their continuance after tine present lease
have decided that the Luxembourg resort. Mondori'
would be a desirable place 10 perpetuate their H.
farious business. The temptations which fhey oher
the little state indeed great and hard I" resist.
They have proposed TO pay the entire civil Isl Of 'i'
Grand DuCiy amounting TO 100000 francs. and
TO keep the people free from taxation This as IL
well Known Is practically the course pursued by the
directors at present In Monaco. Tile Inhabitants pay
no taxes and the Prince receives an annual sainry
of 600 900 francs. NJ. Eyschen. who Is at the h"ad
of the Liberal Ministry now In power IN Luxembourg
Is opposed granting The cohesion to the Monte
Carlo people, and may influence the legislature Inc
Grand Duke however, naturally does not look upoi
the scheme as Objectionable. rs lie derived much o
his wealth from similar sources la Wiesbaden ye0rS
ago In case the present Legislature declines to
accept the Offer the directors Intend TO influence the
election OF as many deplties ~ ,possiWr u. w,
coming fight. Thus there will DC little doubt that
The Legislature 10 assemble next fall VIII consent To
make MoudOrf a second Monte Carlo Among TIT
people the project IS generally favored as thc Tree
dom from taxation Is looked rpoh us 'he s"''"u"'
bOnlm OF Luxembourg citizen.
The action VI the Government regarding l1' prop
erty granted the religious orders ana It's course
with reference TO certain privileges enjoyed III LuA
waited with interest not only by the people Of The
State. but by the inhabitants OF many cathon9
Countries Legislation In other continental states wi
depend In part upon that OF the Grand Duchy