New-York tribune., 1900-07-31
HUMBERT'S SUCCESSOR.
NEW KING OF ITALY WELL SPOKEN
OF-DELICATE IN HEALTH AND
A GREAT STUDENT.

Victor Emanuel Ferdinand Maria January
who succeeds to The throne Of Italy as a result
OF the assassination of King Humbert his
father, born November II, 1869 AS a
child the Prince of Naples was weak and aiIing
An English nurse did much to bring the boy
around to good health. although he never was
robust. His mother who is more than half Ger
man. insisted on the educational methods of
that country being applied to her child whose
intellect, being naturally bright and quick. but
not OF the massive order. was ground down in
stead of being improved by his studies. Modern
languages (French, English, Germany, Latin
and Greek. mathematics philosophy, military
history, Kept him continually at his desk nor
could he play truant for his tutor or keeper
Colonei Oslo. cold and nfexible was always on
duty, and did not allow his ward a minutes
freedom. At last the Princes health suffered To
such extent that King Humbert. becoming
alarmed, determined that the mode of life led by
his only son should undergo a complete change
He appointed Colonel Oslo to the command OF a
regiment dismissed all the other pedagogic tor
turers and sent the Crown Prince travelling
throughout Europe-to Germany England
Greece-and 10 the East. When he returned the
Prince of Naples had in a certain measure re-
covered his health; but he had lost his only
chance Of conquering ricketts, during infancy
and even now he is obliged to sustain the trunk
of the body. out Of all proportion to his legs. by
means of a steel corset
The Prince was not allowed IN his boyhood to
have much spending money. Indeed the enor-
nous debts left by King Victor Emmanuel made
it necessary for King Humbert to exercise the
utmost economy. But the little fellow used his
small allowance to the best advantage. He
never squandered it. and seldom bought TOYS for
himself, but saved his money until it reached a
considerable amount and then purchased some-
thing of ValIa off For
one else than for himself One day he aston
ished his mother by asking her how much a
silk dress would cost. She told him, whereupon
he said: Il haven't quite much as that, but
if you'll let me go out alone and on foot some
morning think 1 can go to some shop where
they won't know and get one. I want TO
give it TO my Her best gown is really
very shabby!'
No prince OF Europe had so much difficulty in
finding a bride as he. He travelled from one
court to another in the vain search for young
woman willing to share with him his future
throne. But for long time he laid his coming
crown at the feet of various princesses of the
blood in vain, The Prince is below the medium
height and OF delicate build, and altogether OF
appearance not calculated 70 inspire the love
of a Unfortunately for him. he did not
inherit the facial beauty of his lovely mother.
Queen Margherita long considered the hand
heir to the rugged. attractive features OF his
kind, bluff father To the regret OF the King and
Queen, their was for years so backward
and bashful that II was almost impossible to in
duce him to attend even court reception He
appeared to be afraid of every woman
HUNTING A BRIDE
When he was sent TO join regiment stationed
at Naples he seemed to overcome his aversion
to the fair sex, and soon started on bride
hunting tour For time 1t was said that the
future Queen would be daughter OF the House
OF Orleans. but this supposltion proved 70 be
unfounded. Greek and Russian princesses were
mentioned IN turn. and then came the visit 10
the court Of Berlin. where he was received with
great distinction. and the rumor was that the
sharer OF his future throne was to be a relative
of the German Empress But the young woman
according to gossip in Germany at the time
exercised right which princesses Of reigning
houses seldom assume. and declined to entrust
her happiness To tho Savoy heir under any con-
ditions The Prince. to the great chagrin of his
father and mother. obliged to return home
and again resume the reading of the Almanach
de Gotha for a suitable mate
His military career was remarkably rand as
Is generally the case with officers in his exalted
station. but he was obliged to undergo stif ex-
aminations on being promoted the only differ
ence between himself and others being that he
mad not 20 wait for the usual time TO elapse be-
tween one promotion and another When in
command OF the military division Of Naples the
Crown Prince a constant guest at the ta-
oies of the Bourbon aristocracy. and on more