The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-02-08
W|LHELM|NA OF
HOLLAND A BRIDE
Welded to the Duke of Meek
Ienburg- -SChWerin.
HE BECOMES A PRINCE
The Severe Simplicity Of the Dutch
Forms Reigned.
GIVE The MARRIAGES A DEMOCRATIC AIR
Nevertheless the Two Ceremonies Presented a
Series Of Brilliant and Gorgeous Pictures
Cheered by ThrOugs Of Happy
~ proennpot,n paonlo
end Prosperous People.
(By the Associated Press.)

The Hague, Feb. 7.-Wilhelmina. the
first ruling Queen of Holland, today
married Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-
Schwerin, who becomes Prince of the
Netherlands by proclamation in the
Court Gazette. this evening.
The marriages was a series of bril-
liantly colored pictures. But, the Sc
we're simplicity of the Dutch form of
marriage, which was followed to the
letter in the civil contract before the
Minister of Justice, (Dr. P. w. A. Cort
Van Der Linden) and in the old fash
ioned. religious service in Groote Kerk,
gave it a democratic spirit.
The weather was ahisp, sunny and
inspirating. Multitudes of country peo-
pie, all prosperous and happy looking,
many of whom wore the old gala cos
TUNES. cheered the state carriages, with
it's red and white liveried postillions,
and the waiting escort of twelve noble
men. in maroon and black. who We're
aligned, six on each side, sitting their
horses proudly With hands at atten-
ton.
Fifty Dutch hussars rode ahead, then
came a handful of court officials, with
th6 grand master of ceremonies, on
horseback, then coach with the Queen
and Duke Henry. Their mothers coach
came after it and then the chief mill
tary officials of the palace, the Cover
nor of the city, two adjutants, on
horseback, and lastly group of fifty
mounted artillerymen.
The progress was slow. because the
procession was frequently obliged to
halt while the cheering populace made
way.
Green and green and orange decora-
tons, with thousands of Dutch flags
hanging across the streets, gave the
route a brilliant appearance. Such or
derby, good natured crowds We're never
seen. Policemen and soldiers We're few.
At II O'Clock the marriage party
emerped from the palace to proceed to
the Palace of Justice Queen Will
helmina passed down the steps on the
arm of he uniformed Duke. with her
great. white wedding dress sweeping
behind her, and the Queen mother in
purple. ana the Grand Duchess Maria
and half q dozen of the court follow
ing i'm groups, the generals and ad-
mrals. fairly cleaning with gold lace
and medals, standing at the salute on
both sides, making truly regal picture.
The ponderous gilded coach presented
by the people OF Amsterdam, was
drawn by eight horses, with orange coll
ors
Many of the stand owners announced
that the proceeds would be given to the
widows and orphans of the Beers sol
diers killed in South Africa
The Minister of Justice, DR.. Van Der
Linden. the Queen Mtoher and the
Grand Duchess Maria and two or three
clerks and the six witnesses who We're
the speakers of the two houses of Par
lament. the Adjutant General, Van
Bergambacht: the Grand Chamberlain
General Count Du Monceau, the Aide
de-Camp General and the Vice Presi-
dent of the Council State, Mynhaer
Van Schorer, and the Chief Justice were
all that witnessed the signing of the
contract.
The scene when the wedding guests
assembled, wa smost magnificent. There
was an acre of many colorod uniforms
and beautiful gowns, with flashing jew
els and glittering orders of the royal
personages and nobility and the feath-
ers and flowers Of thousand wonder
full bonnets, in the centre.