The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-09-03
THE BOY KING OF SPAIN.

His Lessons and His Teachers-A Deli
 cate, Precocious Boy, Who Has to
 Study Many Things-His Plebeian
 Playmates
 Alfonso XIII, the bright, intelligent, but sad-looking boy King of Spain, was born under star or christened under a name which can hardly be termed lucky. None of the friends of his house were pleased to learn that the name of Alfonso XIII. had been given him, be- cause all Spaniards are superstitious, and all thirteens are believed to be un- lucky in everything and everywhere. The name was chosen for him by his royal mother as a delicate compliment to his deceased father and to his god- father, Pope Leo XIII. It was emphat ieally objected to by the most serious and solemn statesman produced by Spain during the last hundred years, who, had he been in power, might have insisted on his veto; but as he was only the leader of the Opposition Dona Ma ria Christina remained firm and had her way Lucky or unlucky, she said, her son should be known to history as Al- lUiiSp nIlJs, anu Il tIle 6Nli 5p6ll tuuitl be broken for the holy godfather 1t could be likewise arrested in the case of the pious godson. The statesmen were sad- dened by the august lady's decision. Spanish Monarchists felt depressed by the outlook, and Carlists and Republi- cans were delighted at their enemy thus boldly tempting Providence.
 The heir to the throne of the Philips, Ferdinands and Carlos has never been very fortunate since, because, say his subjects. of that evii-boding number XIII. Others there are who admit that the child inherited his late fathers con- stitution, which was anything but viz orous or healthy, and that his own physical condition is the inevitable re- suit of natural causes. But these peo- pie are few and far between, and their numbers have considerably decreased since it became known that the young king was down with the measles.
 There's luck for you!" exclaimed prominent parliamentary orator whom I men on the Puerta del Sol, lat the very moment when the boy needs all his health and strength he goes and gets the meases.'
 ''I rather fancy 1t is luck" I replied, 'for nobody in Spain would be so utter- ly ruthless as to conspire against lit- tie boy who Is i'll and in bed.'
 That's all bosh" he answered. You speak as if an assault on the lad were planned. You should know by this time that no harm will befall him or his royal mother, in their persons or prop erty come what may. Of that there can beno manner of doubt. No; what I was hoping for. was that, in case Car lism and Republicanism or any of the other isms should turn aggressive, the king might have shown himself more to the people. mixed more fre- quently with the military, kindled the enthusiasm or at least awakened the affection of his subjects. He cannot do it now"
 Afterward I called upon another poli- tician of the patrician or grandee type, who still manages to live in a mediae- val world of his own-in a sastle in Spain where realities of the political and social order are at a discount. He is firm supporter of the dynasty, but is keenly conscious of the sacrifice it costs him and of the enormous advan- tages it confers upon the royal. family. What a terrible blow to everybody, this sudden illness of the king" l said, by way of preaching the subject.
 T am not aware that there is any particular danger in an ordinary att tack of measles,' he replied; did pr. Cardela say there was?"
 Oh, mol" l answered.; ''the physi- elan said that there was no danger whatever-that the symptoms were those of an ordinary attack. and that the royal patient is progressing very satisfactorily. But what I meant was not that. l was thinking of the advan- tage it would be for all Spanish Monar- chists if His Majesty could be up and about mixing with his subjects and kindling. their affectionate interest just at this critical moment, when the enc mics of the dynasty are''-
 unnecessary-quit unnecessary, my dear sir. The enemies of the dynasty form but a very small fraction of His