The Portland daily press., 1898-08-18
THE KING OF SPAIN.
The Boy Monarch's Life to Date Especially
His Recent Measles and Their Political
Effect. 9 hs354s e
From the London Telegraph. J


Alfonso XIII, the bright, intelligent,
but sad. looking boy King Of Spain, was
born under a star, or christened under
name which can hardly be termed lucky.
None of the friends of his house was
pleased to learn that the name Alphonso
XIII had been given him, because all
Spaniards are superstitious. and all thir-
teens are believed to be unlucky in every
thing and everywhere. The name was
chosen for him by his royal mother as a
delicate compliment to his deceased father
and to his godfather. Pope Leo XIII. 1t
was emphatioally objected to by the most
serious and solemn statesmen produced by
Spain during the past 100 years, who, had
he been in power, might have insisted on
his veto, but as he was only the leader
Of the Opposition, Dona Maria Christina
!; remained firm and had her way. Lucky
; or unlucky, she said, her son should be
known to history as Alphonso XIII, and
if tine evil spell could be broken for the
holy godfather 1t could likewise be ar
, rested in the case Of the pious godson.
The statesmen were saddened by the
august lady's decision, Spanish monarch
lists felt depressed by the outlook, and the
Carlists and Republicans were delighted
at their enemy thus boldly tempting
Providence.
The heir of the throne of the Philips,
Ferdinands. and Carlos has never been
very fortunate since, because, say his sub
jects, of that evil-boding number XIII.
Others there are who admit that the child
Inherited his late fathers constitution,
which was anything but vigorous or
healthy, and that his own physical con-
dition is the inevitable result of natural
causes. But these people are few and
far between, and their numbers have con-
siderably decreased since it became known
that the young King was down with the
measles.
"Thers's luck for you," exclaimed
prominent parliamentary orator whom
met on the Puerta del Sol, Sat the very
moment when the boy needs all his health
and strength he goes and gets the measles. "
"I rather fancy it is luck,'' replied,
''for nobody in Spain would be SO utterly
ruthless as to conspire against little boy
who is i'll and in bed. /" "That's all bosh, i"
he answered. "You speak as if an assault
on the lad were planned. You should
know BY this time that no harm will be-
fall him or his royal mother in their per.
soDS or property, come what may. VI
that there can be no manner Of doubt.
No, what was hoping for was that, in
case Carlis1n and RepubIicanism, or any
of the other 'isms, should turn aggressive
| %Ia irYhf ho o1I ooo1f
often to tue people, mixed more frequent
ly with the military, kindled the enthusl-
asm, or, at least, awakened the affection
of his subjects BE cannot do 1t now
Afterward l called upon another poll
tician of the patrician or grandee type,
who still manages to live 10 mediaeval
world OF his own-in a castle in Spain,
whers realities of the political and social
order are at a discount. He is q firm
supporter OF the dynasty, but is keenly
conscious OF the sacrifice it costs him, and
Of the enormous advantages it oonfers
upon the royal family. ''What terrible
blow to everybody this sudden illness of
the King" l said, by way of broaching
the subject.
81 am not aware that there Is any par
ticular danger in an ordinary attack of
measles" he replied; 'sdid DR.. Cnrdela
saw there wasa' "Oh no." answered:
Sthe physician said that there was no
danger WudU6foE~uAdU Ul0 SYmDtOmS
were those of an ordinary attack, and
that the royal patient is progressing yerv
satisfactorily. But what l meant was
not that l was thinking of the advant
ACE it would be for all Spanish monarch
ists if his Majesty could be up and about
mixing with his subjects. and kindling
their affectionats interest just at this
critical moment, when the enemies of the
dvnasty are'' UNNECESSARY
unite unnecessary, my dear sir. The
enemies of the dynasty form but very
small fraction Of his Majesty's subjects,
while the loyal majority are TO company
for good, pious lad such as he Is. And
AZ for showing himself to the people, it is
INV opinion that he shows himself too
mich to them. should not be at all sur
nIised if the lad did not catch the measles
from some Of his playmates in the Casa
de Campo. -
..-. HIS GAMES AND STUDIES.
The Casa de Campo, Isheuad say, 10