Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1901-01-31

Miss Clara r. Ritchie. of Tallmadge,
kindly sends the Democrat the fol-
lowing interesting and timely sketches,
To the Editor of the Democrat:
While the attention of the whole
world is being drawn to the life and
death of Queen Victoria, and her nu-
merous connection with the reigning
families of Europe, some "reminiscences
Of the scenes In which she lived, and
of the personal side of those near to
the throne, may not be inopportune,
though they are recalled from notes
made several years ago, and represent
things as they We're at that time. In
a few days all that is mortal OF the
Queen will be borne to Frogmore, once
the country seat Of her mother, the
Duchess of Kent, and where, forty
years ago, she was laid to rest in a
beautiful tomb. Upon the death Of the
Prince Consort, Queen Victoria caused
a handsome mausoleum to be erected
at the same place, and here she will
be placed beside her husband, who
preceded her so many years ago. From
the Round Tower of Windsor, from
which one may catch a glimpse of
twelve counties, you may see (. Frog
more in the distance, and realize the
loneliness Of the Queen, as she re.
turned to Windsor from her Scottish
castle, after her first great loss-the
death of her mother. Her father, the
Duke of Kent, lies in st. Georges
chapel, adjoining the castle, together
with her uncle, william Nv, whom she
succeeded, while beautiful Albert
Memorial chapel, close by, is also the
tomb of her son, the Duke of Albany.
The lavish praise given to the Queen
is not extended to all of her sons. The
late Duke OF Edinburgh, in a journey
through Spain, some years ago with
large party, had occasion to engage
the services OF certain courier call
ed "Garibaldl"--a Spaniard, and a
man OF some ability. The same guide
was later employed by our own party
of four, and during the course of our
travels, volunteered much information
in regard to the royal party he had
recently conducted, much of it uncom-
plimentary to the Duke. After sery-
ing His Royal Highness and suite, on
a long and tiresome trip, he was re.
warded with the usual wages of
courier, visiting card, and pair OF
silver bracelets for his wife. Carl
baIdi' was so Indignant with the offer,
that he promptly rejected 1t, and never
ceased to proclaim the Duke. ''the
stingiest man in Europe" an opinion
which was shared by titled persons OF
England. Gladstone's long term in
Her Majesty's service made him the
chief figure in the House of Com
mons, whom all Americans desired to
see; so, climbing the stairway to the
ladies' gallery. was ushered in to the
little room barred off from the gaze OF
the dignined members, by the barbar-
GUS iron screen, which obstructed the
view of the gentlemen. but permitted
the ladies to hear the speakers, and get
peep at their illustrious heads. Not
knowing which seat Mr.. Gladstone oc-
cupied, l turned to the porter, who
stood at the door of the small apart |
ment with the question on my lips. |
He promptly came forward, saying,
"Would you like to meet Mrs Glad
stone? She is writing at her desk in n
little room across the hall. win call !
her" Cards were Immediately sent
IN, and Il plain-faeed, large-framed
oman, with kindly expression, and a |
force that showed itself in every move. |