New-York tribune., 1901-01-23


Palace. and were strongly attracted each TO the
other The match makers hardly needed to exert
any influence upon the young people. Prince
Albert when he left England wrote constantly
10 the Princess. and sent Alpine to her
rrom the Right, and books of prints to illustrate
his travels The Princess, as she soon confessed
10 her uncle. was warmly attached to her hand
some cousin From him came congratulations
which most deeply affected the young Princess:
Now you Queen of the mightiest land in
Europe-in your hand lies the happiness of mill
IONS"
OPENING OF THE REIGN
The momentous change in her fortunes and
the novelty and excitement Of the stately cere-
monies which marked the beginning of her reign
diverted her attention from the romance of her
girlhood. Her life had been so quiet and simple
in its movement that the transition to court
revels. independent action on the worlds stage
under the eyes Of millions of spectators and all
the pomp and circumstance of sovereign power
would have dazed and bewildered her if re-
stralnt and self-possession had not been habits
already formed. The statesmen who had been
accustomed to wait upon the caprices of irrita-
BILE and fussy sovereigns hardly knew how to
adapt themselves to the slight girlish figure and
bright, trustfuI face. They frankly confessed
their astonishment and admiration when they
found the demure novice playing her part with
unaffected simplicity and modesty. and at the
same time with f1rmness and dignity. Mr.. Gre
Vile in his journals gives minute account Of
the holding of the first council in Kensngton
Palace, when she read her proclamation with
out sense of embarrassment. took the oaths with
clear distinct voice. and with becoming grace
allowed her uncles. Ministers, and swarm Of
officials and courtiers to kiss her hand leaving
her place to go TO the Duke Of Sussex who was
too infrm to cross the room.
Miss Martineau witnessed the first presenta-
ton Of the young sovereign to her subjects
The young Queen arrayed in a simple black
dress as she appeared in a window OF ST.
James's Palace, and her sleek bands Of brown
hair were unadorned. Lord Melbourne stood be-
side her. but the huttering of the heart in so
young bosom was revealed by tears trembling
on the eyelashes. The same witness describes
with elaborate rhetoric the coronation in West
minister Abbey. which took place on June 2S
1888. The Queen looked small and grlish
though regal, in her cloth of gold mantle, and
was the centre of a glittering pageant flashing
with scarlet uniforms full dress and diamonds.
When the crown was placed on her head all the
peeresses were coronated in instant. and then
followed trains Of peers to touch her crown and
TO kiss her hand. The coronation was nine
days wonder, recounted by the most versatile
pens in London; but perhaps the most graphic
description Of 1t was given in private letter
written by Felix Mendelssohn. When the
golden, fairylike carriage, supported by trftons
with their tridents. and surmounted by the great
crown of England. drove UP. and the graceful
girl bowling right and left, while one
roar OF cheering almost drowned bells. trumpets
and guns, the observing musician had to pinch
himself to make sure that it was not all dream
out OF the Arabian Nights The radiant Prin-
cess held potent sway over the imaginations OF
the men and women witnessing the coronation
It was reserved years afterward for Mr.. Greville
lively gossip that he was. TO reveal all the
secrets OF the ceremonial: to explain that
body knew his part. the Queen least of all: TO
unravel all the bitches and lost cues and to
record the sweet submisslveness with which Vic
toria, when the Archbishop insisted that the
rubrics required 1t. crushed upon her fourth
finger a ruby ring that much small
for II.
The Duchess of Kent. who had wisely directed
the Queens education, withdrew in accordance
with the etiquette OF the court from constant
companionship Of her daughter. Prince Leopold.
who had become King OF the Belgians did not
abate his vigilance and watchfuI care. and was
represented in her household by Baron stocknar.
She might have had more discreet mentor for
the early years OF her reign were marred by one
unnecessary blunder. When Lord Melbourne.
her first Prime Minister resigned office Sir
Robert Peel prepared to take the vacant
post In accordance with constitutional usage.
but prevented by the refusal OF the Queen
TO change her Mistress of the Robes and Bed
chamber Ladies. This unforeseen obstacle de-
ferred the change for a short period. and caused
much confusion in the political world. II
the only departure from that attitude OF respect
for constitutional practice and Of impartality
toward political parties which has characterized
the Queens protracted reign. The immediate
effect of this error of Judgment was to exas-
perate the Tories since they compelled to
look on while dscredted Ministry crept back
into office behind the pettcoats of the ladies in
waiting
Nor this the Queens only caprice. King
Leopold who anxious to arrange the match
with her cousin. found her ndsposed to think
seriously of marriage. She liked Prince Albert
we'll enough. but they were both. she thought
too young and their marriage would be regard
ed by her subjects premature. Moreover, the
Princes mastery Of the English language was
imperfect and he ought to remedy the defect
before taking up important position at Court
The matchmakers were baf1ed by the practical
objections raised by coy Queen who
joying her liberty to the full and not willing to
be hurried. When they persisted in advising her
to make haste, she wrote abruptly to King Leo
pod that she wished the affair to be broken off,
as she would not consent to think of marriage for
at least four years Prince Albert for his part
declared with frmness that he would withdraw
entirely from the ENHANCEMENT. King Leopold.
like a wise man, determined TO bring the young
people together and to trust to their settling
the affair for themselves The Prince. accom-
panied by his brother. paid visit to his royal
cousin in Windsor Castle. In the course of a