The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-09-04
IA Liberty Street, West,

scurrying about all Europe. searching for
| the representative head of The Belgians.
! When they found hinl--Leopold was sor-
| ry-he had been having one grand sortie
| OF convivial debauching; he had revealed
in the pleasureable companionship of the
"demi- mondaines." and he didn't care who
knew e; he had started out to get his
| moneys worth and according TO the sto-
ries his highness had succeeded in thor
oughly enjoying himself.
The name of Cleo de Merode is known
throughout all Europe. The creation of
a king, the subsequent premerie artist of
vaudeville of the gay Partisan capital,
from obscurity 10 renown in a single
| night, from poverty to opulence and all
through the magic waving of Loopoid's
wand.
This was only a few years ago. Since
J that time cleo de Merode'' has accumu-
p, lated fortune, estimated at over $1,000 900
The popularity Of this woman was the re-
suit of a mad freak on the part of the
Merry Monarch" Travelling incoguito
he had visited cheap variety halls in Paris
where the then unknown "Cleo de Me-
rode was doing, in the parlance of Amer
lean stageology, song and dance act.
King Leopold, accompanied by his faith
full secretary, occupied a private box in
the amusement resort. Leopold Ill was
apparently uninterested with the pro-
gramme until the appearance of Cleo de
Merodc." The beauty of the girl, her
graceful carriage, her sparkling eyes, and
the dainty manner in which she pirouetted
about the stage all tended to arouse the
enthusiasm of the royal visitor
His "bravos' were loud and frequent, so
much So in fact, that the manager of the
theater demanded that he cease the
noise. Leopold grew indignant and shout
ed bravo" even louder than before The
manager, with the assistance of the stall
wart gendarme, evicted the troublesome
patron from the theater.
In his indignation at the summary eject
ment. Leopold unintentionally revealed
his identity. The manager of the theater
begged ten thousand pardons and ten
minutes later Leopold was again in the
box. and the professional reputation of
cleo de Merode' was established
throughout the land.
When King Leopold visits this country.
which he will do in the course of couple
of months, he having already purchased
the DreXel yacht Margarita, Ii may be
that he will create a new idol to be wor-
shipped by the chappies," who occupy
the front rows at the theaters. To win the
applause of the King of the Belgians is
considered a plum worth picking by any
member of the dramatic profession, and
as the gay old monarch is known to be
pdssionately fond of American art, it. is
more than probable that his footprints
will long be traced in this country.
1t is understood that King Leopold, up
on his arrival in this country, will be the
guest of George w. Childs Drexel, son OF
Anthony Drexel, and editor of Philadel-
phia newspaper. During his visit he will
traverse the entire breadth of the country
and will be the recipient of such hospital
ity as is customary with the American
people. A few words of the heraldic line
of the much-talked-of visitor Is apropos
at this time
His majesty is first cousin 10 Queen Vic
toria. His mother was Princess Louise of
Orleans, daughter of Louis Philippe; and
as il is a characteristic trait of his, that
he never wears gloves, IL is looked upon
more as proof that he is proud OF his
descent from the Orleans family, who
were noted for their exquisitely shaped
hands. than 10 the fact that his own hands
are very beautiful and aristocratic in their
lines.
Leopold was born at Brussels April O.
1885, succeeded to the throne Dec TO- 1869
and has ruled continuously since that
period. In 1910 he was created the Duke Of
Bra bant and this title has since been
recognized as that of the heir apparent
to the Belgian throne. He took his seat
in the Senate on reaching his majority in
1855.
Whoever studies the physognomy of
Leopold II cannot fail to be struck with
the rigid look of his countenance, which
rather repels advances and this physiog-
Monty does MOI belle the King He is not
and cannot be, a favorte with men. He
lacks the personal gifts TO attract them,
and he lacks besides, his fathers astute
wisdom TO manipulate them; and this is
not so much because he is wanting in in
teligence as that imagination and the
softer qualities are ltde developed in his
nature.
In 1858, before his accession to the
throne, he married the, Archduchess Marie
Eenriette of Austria-Iiungary -Four chill
dren were the result Of their union-the
Duke of Brabant, whom they were to lose
all too soon, and three princesses. The
detailed itinerary Of his journey on this
side has not yet been announced