The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-25
ALFONSO is FIT TO RULE
YOUNG SPANISH KING Is SAID To BE
MATURING RAPIDLY.
He Is Now One of the Most Accom-
pIished Princes of European
Athlete and n Linguist.

BRUSSELS, Nov. 24.-There has been con-
siderable talk among Spanish politicians of
deferring King A~lfonso's majority until his
eighteenth birthday. The question was
much discussed at Miramar this ummer,
and it was decided to bring it before the
legislature during it's October session. Ac-
tivity of the Carlist committees and other
reasons. however. led the Queen Regent and
her advisers to see that the sooner the boy
assumes control the better, and it is now
definitely stated that there is to be no
change in the Spanish constitution, which
provides for his majority at the age of six
teen.
Alfonso has wonderfully matured during
the last year, and even hoary-headed sena-
tors consider him equal to the task. No per-
son who saw the delicate infant carried
about by the faithful RaymOnde, or the
pale invalid of ten years ago being wheeled
in the gardens of A%ranjueZ, could have i'm
agined he would develop into the sturdy
Alfonso who several weeks ago, mounted on
his prancing chestnut, Chiquito. reviewed
in such mastery fashion the Sicilian in
fantry. Instead, members of the Madrid
court claim that the Kings development
and independence of manner nave made
rapid strides since the day he took COM
mand of the army at the Carabanchel
maneuVers.
Spaniards tell with pride a little incident
which occurred on this occasion and which
greatly increased the boys popularity
among the troops. II was, in fact, the first
act of personal Initiative he had ever shown
in public. At the close of the maneuVers
arrangements had been made to serve
luncheon 10 the men, 1t being impossible
80 -rorFIn an Vonnxr ThnrrennHg NTH rhafr-
and tables long bitches were dug in the
ground.
The soldiers sat on one edge, their legs
hanging in the trenches, and were thus
able TO use the opposite edge as a table.
OF course a less documentary board had
been provided for the King. To the sur
prise Of everybody present Alfonso refused
TO occupy the gilded armchair. Without
consulting anybody his Majesty offered his
arm to the Queen, and, conducting her to
one of the trench- seats, took his place on
the ground beside her. where, to the huge
delight of the soldiers, the royal pair ate
their meal.
Alfonso XIII is to-day one Of the most
accomplished princes in Europe. He speaks
duently three languages, reads as many
more and can talk i~ntelligently on all Ger
man, French and English literary works OF
Importance. He is tall, d~ignified In man
ner and in features strikingly resembles
his mother and is always simply but ele-
gantly dressed. To please many Spanish
grandees his costumes are entirely TOO
pam. heretofore Spanish kings, from the
age OF five, always wore the pretenlous
uniform of marshal.
Queen Christine has always shown her
self a stickler for simplicity where children
are concerned. She decided that the King
should be educated a. A simple soldier and
wear the regimcntals accordingly. on state
occasions Alfonso can now brighten the
severe blue coat with it's double row OF gold
buttons by numerous medals and badges,
for his Majesty has received much decora-
tive paraphernalia from foreign pOtentates
during the past summer.
The King OF Italy was the first TO honor
him and conferred upon him with much
m the Grand Cross OF the Annun-
ziata. This set the example to other mon
archs. who FASTENED TO follow suit. and the
King now possesses the Grand Cross OF the
Black Eagle, the ImtiaZ OF Turkey, the
White Elephant of Denmark and the
Grand Cross of the Savior. The latter is a
Greek decoration. and. from an artistic
standpoint. Alfonso's favorite. Ii consists
of a beautiful jewel with special stones or
namenting the cross, enameled in white
and encircled by the words, Thy right.
Lord, has been gloriied In Thy might. 3"
With this is worn a broad blue sash.
Those who know the King describe him
as an accomplished horseman, fencer, bill
lard player and athlete. He also rides a
bicycle, plays tennis and lis very fond OF
walking, frequently doing four or i've miles
an hour.