The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-02-11
Connected With the Recent
Death of Prince Alfred
Of Saxe-Coburg and GOtha, Vic
tOria's Grandson.
WAS a. HIGH ROLLER
He Gambled and Did All Sorts
Of Wicked Things
And Died in DeIirium Away
From His Relatives.

(COpyr1ShI, 1889, by Associated HreSS)
London, Feb. 11.-There is a dark
tragedy lying behind the death of
young Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg
and Gotha the only son of the duke of
Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, second son of
Queen Victoria. This adds greatly to
the grief of his relatives. He was hand
some tall and of manly bearing and his
slight, boyish figure in a brilliant Hus-
sar uniform was conspicuous during the
jubilee festivities in England. Soon af-
ter the jubilee, the prince returned to
his regiment in Berlin, one of the crack
guards regiments but he soon fell into.
bad hands, became entangled in the
gambling scandals and finally this re-
suited in his cousin, Emperor William
Diminishing him from the guards, and
under the guise of promotion, transfer
ring him to q line regiment at Coburg.
Two other officers who were mixed up
in the gambling scandal were cashiered.
But gambling was not the worst fea-
ture of the young princes case. He in
dulged in other dissipations which I'M
dermined his health and brought about
his untimely death as it did with Al
fonso XII of Spain.
Early in January specialists pro-
nounced Prince Alfred's state to be
hopeless and his succession to the
throne of COburg out of the question.
The prince however had to participate
in the silver wedding festivities of his
parents and was carried to the gala
performance at the Coburg theater in
a Sedan chair. Four days before the
princes death the disease from which
he was suffering caused Inflammation
of the brain, bringing an agOniZing end.
He died without any of his relatives
near him, in a delirium in the sanitar-
ium in the Austrian TyroI to which he
was taken. Only two doctors were at
his bedside when he expired.
A QUESTION OF SUCCESSION.
Sake Coburg and Gotha will bring into
prominence the question of the success
sion to the throne OF Coburg, which de-
wolves upon the duke of Connaught.
brother of the duke of Edinburgh and
third son of Queen Victoria. Before
long the duke of Connaught may have
to decide whether he will leave his ma
tive land and take UP the sovereignty
of SaXe-COburg. If he chooses the lat
ter he will have to abandon his career
in the British army, in which he is the
most popular general and has the pros
pect of becoming Communicated chief.
The duchess of COnnaught will have an
important voice in the question. She is
a patriotic German and a princess of
Prussia and will probably throw her
weight in favor of SAKE COburg.
The general belief, however, is that
the duke of Connaught will renounce
the title and succession in favor of his
son. Prince Arthur, who was born Jan
uary 10, 1888.
The death of Prince Alfred has been
heavy blow to the London season, as
black will have to be worn up to Eas-
ter. The season began with the opening
of the parliamentary session.
RECEPTIONS AND BALLS.
The duke of Devonshire political re-
ception on Tuesday evening was bril-
liant function. The duchess of MARI
borough was magnificently gowned and
Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain wore pale
pink MORE satin and white lace. Mrs.
Ronalds was dressed in black tulle and
jet.
Prominent among the guests were
Mrs. Henry White, wife of the United
States charge d'affaires, who is Al pres
ent chaperoning Lord Rosebery's
daughters.
The most gorgeous festivity of the
week, however, was the ball at the
mortal college at Khartoum- There
was a dazzling display of jewelry and
embroidery and the Duchess of MARI
borough was again the center of attrac-
ton, in white muslin, with rich pink
embroideries. She wore her famous
pearls, of which she had fifteen or six
teen rows around her neck, besides a
necklace of diamonds and a double
tiara in her hair. Lady Randolph
ChurchilPs pearls were almost as splen-
did.
London is to have another great ba-
zaar which is expected to eclipse the
successful press bazaar of last year.
1t will be held at the Niagara skating
rink in June, in aid of the Charing
Cross hospital. The arrangements are
on a grandiose scale. Practically every
duchess and every woman of note in
London society will aid in some way
or 0ther. Mrs. John w. Mackay will
take the American stall, assisted by
her daughter, Princess Colonna and
Mesdames Clarence Mackay, Bradley
Martin and Ronalds.
A RICH AMERICANS GIFT.
rich American has presented a
whole American bar outfit which will
be in the hands of Mrs. Brown Potter
The latter was present at the Devon
shire reception Tuesday and it is
whispered that the invitation was sent
at the instance of the Prince of Wales.