The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-08-24
A PRINCES VISIT.
What III. II. H.. of Flanders Says
of Washington.

New York. Aug 2s.-Prince Albert, of
Flanders, has written an account of his
American tour which is published in the
Petit Bleu of Brussels. The Journal has
received the entire article by cable, from
which this is taken:
On March 10 the Prince went to Wash
ington to take part in a series of fetes
and official ceremonies organized in his
honor, such as a reception and dinner
at the White House
mot until the following day did his
Royal Highness profit by the opportunity
to saunter about the city, where ne much
admired the brightness and charm accen-
tuated by clumpS of trees and flowers in
the squares and parks.
This iuXcs!ous capital. built of little
private hotels. surrounded by coquettish
gardens. does not resemble New York,
the commercial, industrial. feverish city
which gives the stranger on his arrival
SO violent a shock that he is not able TO
render lifting account OF what he sees
"One realizes here the social world the
leisure of rich families and a sort OF po-
litical aristocracy. Woman triumphs
everywhere, and displays all the luxury
of her wealth and wit only seeking TO
dazzle by her jewelry, her tollettes and
her charms. which she exhibits on every
occa sion-and these are frequent-at
o'clocks, at dinners soireeS and the thea
ter.
"A reception by the President gave the
prince an idea of pomp and ceremony
more royal than republican. At noon two
aides in full uniform came in the Presi-
dents carriage for the prince at his no.
tel TO conduct him to the White House.
The palace is simple of construction. but
surrounded by very grand and wonder
full park
The prince was introduced into the
grand reception room by the officers of
the household. The prince and suite
awaited the President, who soon arrived
and welcomed his royal guest. He is not
tall. is of robust appearance his face
shaven, forehead large and bulging and
his eyes lively and intelligent. His ensem-
bic Is strikingiy like that of Napoleon.
NJ. McKinley's smile Is extremely affable,
and he took on expression of genuine
kindness as his royal highness presented
the members of his suite. M Mckinley
had an amiable word for each without be-
ing commonplace.
After a few minutes conversation the
President proposed TO the prince drive
about the city. He then took him to
hotel, where he aiighted. AS he entered
the salon the conversation continued on
Americans, their customs and habits.
"In the afternoon the prince assembled
the Obelisk (Washington MonumenD, l65
meters high. and admired the panorama
of the city. which extended beyond the
reach of vision, having the aspect of an
enormous park dotted with houses. At
each crossing there are statues. surround
ed by trees and flowers in little parks.
"In the streets there run. silently and
swiftly a
rying large net to catch imprudent pc
destrians who have rot time TO escape.
| 1t might be said that pedestrians in the
encumbered streets of American cities
have to use the same agility as our trap
ese artists. and have the same guard
against accident as IS used in circuses-
| the net.
'At o'clock there was a gala dinner
in the White House. In front of the pal
| ace were crowds of people. who greeted
the princes arrival with continuous hur-
| rahs.
His royal hIghness entered the blue
salon. where he beheld. in ravishing toi-
| 1ettes. covered with jewels the ladies OF
! the aristocratic democracy of Washing
| ton, the diplomatic corps. the vice presi-
! dent, members of Government and a num-
| Der of invited guests of the President.
! The prince saluted the President the
| cortege formed itself and was conducted
| by officers of the household toward the
| dining room, passing through a gallery
! bordered with orchids. roses and lilies.
| which formed a magnificent decoration
| distracting with delicious perfume
''The table of twenty-four covers was
resplendent, but one noticed the absence
| of menus. During the dinner the Ma
| rine Band played national airs. begin
| ming with 'Brabaneonne, the air of the
] Netherlands.
After dinner there was a reception in
| the parlors, where there was another pro-
| fusion of flowers. The prince. who by
his cordiallty, his youth and his observ-
| ing nature won all sympathies. retired at
| 1l:15 o'clock"