New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-08
DUKE ERNST'S COURTSHIP
HOW PRINCESS ALEXANDRINE BECAME
DUCHESS OF SAXE-COBURG GOTTA


In connection with the obituary notices printed
about Duke Ernst Of Saxe-Coburg -Gotha many in
| teresting facts regarding the Duchess brought
TO light. In the memoirs the Duke published a
short time ago he thus describes his first meet
Ing with the Princess Alexandrlne of Baden, who
was destined to become his wife, and Of the
most popular women who sat a throne:
THE Princess came and we were left alone. There
a moment of silence. Was my father to be
right in saying that the affairs had not been prop
erly prepared? AS looked at the Princess be-
came convinced that she was woman TO whom
nothing would appeal much truth and sim
certy l therefore said without further ado that
l had come to Carlsruhe to plead for her hand
Tell me that you do not object to my intentions
and | shall stay here to become acquainted with
you. or say the word which your parents possibly
kept back from feelings Of delicacy. In that case
shall leave the house knowing that no one will
learn what has happened in this ROOM Thus
spoke to her.
The Duchess replied that nothing could please
her better than a man who could speak so freely
and honorably and without discrimination. She
added showing deep knowledge Of character. that
acquantanceshp often led to dsappontments In
life. and that faith and confidence the best
things She then declared that we might become
engaged once and appear before others as an
| engaged pair So my father right. My mar
rage was not prepared by diplomats, but 1t was
all the better for that"
Although many of the rulers Of Germany are
known for their interest In music and art the Duke
Of Gotha, with the exception Of the Landgravo Of
Hesse, the only one entitled 10 rank as COM
poser His operas. "Zaire." "Caselda," Santa Chi
ara" and Diana OF Soange," produced in
many theatres. the last-named in the Metropolitan
Opera House. and earned for their author consider
able praise. He always attended the rehearsas OF
his operas much the regret and fear Of the
ductors. He would not tolerate any change on the
part OF the leader, and the career of the one bold
enough 10 disobey his orders was OF short dura-
ton II the orchestra played any part differently
from the way 1t written he did not hesitate to
stop It at once and make the conductor rectify
the mistake.
But the Duke even went further. He often APP
peared as an actor before a select audience. He
took the greatest interest in the presentation Of
tragic roles. favorite part was Major Tellhem
I'm Lessing's "Minna of Barnhelm.' His teacher in
the art OF acting was the famous Emil Devrient,
who however, had considerable trouble with his
prlncely pupil. The Duke learned his parts we'll
enough, but he was stiff the stage and could
not walk we'll He never seemed 10 know which
way he to walk.
The Duke was also passionate hunter and pre-
ferred to spend much time possible in the
forests Until age began to enfeeble him, he rarely
missed a gathering of the hunting societies of his
duchy. whether composed of the common people or
nobility. He would shoot for prizes with peasants
as gladly as with the highest men OF his land.
The Dukes admiration for Bismarck was great
consolation the ex-Chancellor since his expul-
sion from office. The Duke remained true TO him.
politically speaking, TO the day of his death He
considered the Prince the greatest since Napo-
leon The story that he asked the Prince TO be-
come his Chancellor after his retirement Is stu
believed by many Germans who love the ex-cfai.-
ceors friends.
German papers tell pretty story or the recNvt
visit of Fraulein Lii Finzelberg. the young Ger
man sculptor. to Prince and Princess Bismarck in
Kisslngen In the course OF the conversation. the
ex- Chancelor asked Miss Finzelbers what types
she preferred models
Il like to get ragged boys from the street. she
replied. ''But 1t is difficult to get suitable ones.
somehow. in Berlin"
81 found it difficult to get models In Berlin, too.
answered the Prince. But II l were young vol
untcer soldier again l should gladly stand guard
Mt your door for the year-or be your model, for
that natter
house she stopped to kiss the hands of the Prince
and Princess.
Never never" cried the creator OF German
unity There il a much simpler and prettier way
out OF the difficulty
Suiting his action to his words. he bent forward
and kissed the pretty girl the lips and both
checks.
Tho predilection of the Empress OF Austria for
the island of Corfu has long been known. Its beau
as no other place which she has The magnif-