The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-13

No country requires as much of its
ruler as Spain does. as little Alphors"
from the time that he could toddle has
been engaged in opening hospitals, start
ing sick funds distributing state moneys
and opening charity. pazars. ~
Though his charities have never been
written, they are the most interesting
parts of all the little King. The greatest
charity over which. Alphonso presides. and
of which he is the sponsor, is the Invalid
Chidren's Fund. The fund is a sum of
money which is gathered together every
year by the different churches of SPAIN
Each church gives a Yproportionate sum
toward the fund, 89
On his birthday Alphonso takes this
money and divides it among the children's
hospitals of Spain. lie does this person.
ally, signing his name in a babyish hand
to the donations as they are prepared by
one of the minister's
Another charity in which Alfonso is
active is the birthday fete entertainment.
AT this affair the young King dresses in
fancy dress and with the children belong
ing TO the Court ladies and gentlemen,
dances and poses in tableaux for the
amusement of the children of the poor.
This takes place annually in Madrid, and
is one of the prettiest sights of the year.
Alphonso receives from the exchequer
of the royal treasury every year the sum
of $5.0C0-this' In Spanish money is $4,000
pesetas, and is a great deal of money.
This is Alphonsos spending money, and
he is allowed to disburse 1t as he pleases,
only he must give certain sum to char
ity. The Kings charity fund maintains
every year a large number of Spanish
orphans.
When the king has donated $50 to the
fund every Spanish noble donates a like
sum. taking care. however, to make it
little smaller than that which is given by
the King. 1t would be contrary to court
etiquette 10 give the full sum subscribed
by Alphonso. Then come the ladies and
gentlemen of Spain, who also contribute
sums, taking care that they be less than
that of the titled ones, and finally the COM
mon people are allowed 10 give money
When, the Kings charity fund is COM
plete it is fouhdFto be very large, and with
this Alphonso takes care of the waits
found in the streets Of the large cities of
Spain.
The little King, besides being interested
in large charities, is a good little fellow
personally He is kinder hearted than his
father, Alphonso XII, and takes after his
mother, Maria Christine, who as an Aus
TRAN princess, was noted for her kindness
of heart, and after his aunt, the Princess
Eulaiie, who is one of the sweetest women
living.
The King, when he goes out to ride, stops
wherever his eye falls upon distress and
relieves It. This is one of his royal priv
ieges. and right royalty Alphonso exer-
cises it.
In spite of the efforts to keep the life
of the little child bright. sweet and inno-
cent rumors of outside life reach him, and
during the threatened trouble with the
United States over Cuba a few weeks ago
hint Of it came-to his ears.
On one Of these days the little King went
to ride, and when about an hours Journey
from the country seat, where he was spend
ing the colder months of winter. he no.
ticed a man standing in the undefbrush.
who Is that?" he asked his tutor.
THAT" said the tutor, sis one Of your
maiesty's subjects"
Let him come 20 me-" said Alphonso.
The peasant was brought to the carriage
reluctantly and frowning.
why do you look at me so3' demanded
Alphonso.
Because. your majesty
Because, ''rsaid the lille King, you are
one OF those who are making noise in
Madrid. You do not like me as other peo
pie do; is 1t SOP
The ms" hcug his head.
''Then take ibis money said Alphonso,