Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-28
THE ROYAL SPANIARDS.
Interview with the Queen Regent
How She Hrings tp Her Children.
New York TrihuncD


\ sapphire sky was bending over San
Sebastian. fresh breeze was blowing
from the sea. and the waters OF the bay
encircled by the shell-shaped beach Of tho
Concha were sparkling in the glowing
sunshine Of an August afternoon as We
drove mp to the entrance OF the villa
Mramar. the summer home of Queer
Maria Cristina.
Arrived al the gate leading into the
park or garden surrounding the house,
the coachman gave our names to an
official who came forward 10 receive
them, the Basque soldiers at the gate
salutcd US and we drove up a short ave
nue.. with shrubs and knots OF flowers
on either side TO the entrance of the
royal residence
Here we were received by another oiii-
cial in uniform. VINO conducted us across
a broad hail TO the royal antcchamber
where were several ladies. among them
the Duchess OF Sastago. ady-iG-waiting
To tna Queen. The Governor OF the
province Of Guipozcoa, Senior Bess0n:
several officers Of high rank in ful-dress
uniform, n couple OF deputies, and some
private gentlemen were sitting or stand
ing about the room, chatting. or looking
AT the numerous photographs and pictures
disposed on the mantelp!ece and tables.
or at the beautiful scene visible from its
windows These look out upon the bay
with the lovely island Of Santa Clara.
crowned by its lighthouse. "A little to the
left. and near by. lying at anchor In the
harbor. and gay with flags and streamers.
was the Spanish warship FL Condo de
Nenadito.
Returning the salutations Of those pres
ent as our names are announced, We took
seats on sofa near one of the win
dows, where We were joined by the
Governor and Senior Garcia Gomez. one
of the deputies, whom we knew. and
in conversation with whom We spent the
time while waiting for the entrance OF
the official who was 10 conduct us TO
the presence Of the queen. During the
brief space that interviewed We had an OPP
portunity Of taking glance at our
surroundings, and observing the perfect
taste and simplicity that reigned every
where a parquet floor, with a few
rugs. dark and rich in coloring; walls
and furniture upholstered in lowered
chintz, with a pink effect woodwork OF
white enamel, the woodwork of the fur
niture corresponding with that of the
room; some flowers in vases. and a few
palms gave al impression of GOODNESS and
repose that formed a pleasing contrast
with the busy stir and movement the
gayety and life OF the streets OF san Sc
bastian. through which we had just
been driven.
The opening Of the door leading from
The royal reception-room 10 the ante
chamber presently attracted our atten-
ton and moment later an official APP
preached US, and, mentioning our names
gave me his arm TO conduct US 10 the
presence OF The Queen Regent. Arrived
in the royal reception-room, our escort
left US, closing the door behind him after
announcing our names to the Queen.
Ny FIRST impression Of Queen Maria
Cristina was that of a graceful and ele-
giant woman with a slender and per
fectly-prOportioned figure, and face ex-
pressing great goodness Of heart and OF
soul. sincerity. simplicity unselishness,
and ~ the same time underlying strength
Of character. But through all this. and
through the sweet smile that lighted her
cOuntenance as she rose from the sofa
on which she had been sitting and ad-
vanced a few steps to receive US. there
was visible Il tinge OF pathetic sadness
that bore witness To- the sorrows that had
pierced her woman's heart As citizens
OF republic, the Queen received us with
republican simplicity. and with a gracious
gesture she invited me TO take Il seat on
the sofa beside her.
Her Majesty, IN conversation manifest
ed a keen interest IN everything relating
20 the United states. with the achieve
ments Of whose great minds In sciencs.
art. and literature she Is familiar and for
whose people she has cordial sympathy
and sincere esteem.
The conversation. turning after a time
on more personal subjects. ! yentured to
give expression to the desire which felt
to see the young King. whom / had al