New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-06-06

interest in military manpuvres. rides we'll, is
self-possessed and intelligent and for boy OF
sixteen has an exceptionally digniied presence.
The gesture of command came to him naturally
at the close of the review, when he ordered
several staff officers to step aside and took his
place in the centre of the royal escort; and MS
manner at the State functions is not without
distinction. He is. however boy in his teens
and has not revealed the character of the man
who is to rule Spain. A pleasant story Is
told of his reply when his mother was deservedly
praised by one of the Ambassadors, and he was
reminded that he ought to be grateful for her
wise and tactful counsel. There was thought
full look on his face as he answered almost in
the same phrase used by Queen Victoria in her
childhood: L shall try to be a good KING
Alfonso XIII is q youth of exceptional promise
but il is premature to conclude that he will
make a wise and useful sovereign. He has been
taught languages. but has not learned how to
manage men; and ministers and courtiers may
find him flexible instrument without inherent
force of character. AS a romantic figure in
Spanish history, he appeals strongly to the i'm
aginations of his subjects; but there can be no
permanent glamour in consequence Of his unique
distinction as a King at his birth The boy
who is now trimming over with mischievous
pranks and high spirits. will be guided for
while by the Queen Mother In state affairs, and
8
responsibilities of power. Meanwhile, the gov
ernments of the world have strengthened the
Spanish throne by lending their moral support
to the young King The various special en-
basses have impaired dignity and distinction
to the constitutional function which they have
witnessed In the interchange of comp liments
and courtesies among nations the collective
authority of the powers has been exercised, and
it may tend TO increase the respect of spaniards
for their King and thereby to strengthen mon
archy in the historic Peninsula
In the group of Spanish royal figures appear
ing in gilded and emblazoned coaches and at
the palace functions there have been four Span
18Th rrincesses and the Queen Mother. Queen
Maria Christina, strong and noble in character,
has cold and unsympathetic face; but her
bearing has been graceful and elegant and in
her purple ard diamonds she has been a ma
iestic figure as well as a proud, womanly SOW
ereign The Princess Of the Asturias, Queen
for a few months until her brother was born,
and now heir to the throne has looked bright
and youthful in white blue, but has not in
herited her mothers force of character. Her
sister the Infanta Maria Teresa, has been
nrettier and more graceful figure in rose
pink and her face is illumined with Spanish
viyacity The Kings two aunts have been stout
and ford in green gray costumes, the 1nfanta
Isabel being conspicuous for affability and good
hurnor All these princesses have been richly
robed and jeweed, and have played their parts
with courtly grace in the royal functions.
The royal professions have been picturesque
pageants, with a splendid array of sumptuous
carriages, gorgeousIy emblazoned, drawn by fine
horses. with plumes and quaint trappings and
attended by postillions outriders and cavalry In
GALA uniforms The great granite palace has
been as sumptuous stage for court functions
! as could be found in Europe. The throne room,
the Hall of Giraldini, the state dining room and
| all the decorated drawing rooms. galleries and
corridors were opened for a brilliant reception
last night. have never seen a more gorgeous
snectacle The throne room, with its bronze
lions its silver and crystal chandeliers, its deco
rated ceiling and statuary, was superb, the
white satin walls embroidered in gold traceries
| matched the porcelain ceiling of the Hall of
Ciraldini and ali the other rooms were mag
nifcently furnished, the porcelain, tapestries and
clocks being conspicuous. and the palace from
| the grand staircase to the narrowest corridor
| being brilliantly lighted. There was no sign of
| a decline in the royal fortunes at any stage of
the Spanish fetes
CITY OF takers and promenaders out of
! touch with commerce and the working world
and retaining its grip upon politics as its prnci
| pal industry. Madrid has not lost either its
| talent for spectacle and ceremonial it's grand
| manner The court was at ease in entertain
! ing princes and special embassies, and there
| was no trace Of departing glory faded grand
| eur IN the brilliant capital How could it be
otherwise when the genius Of VelasqueZ had
| made the elegance and pride of the palmiest
! DAYS Of the Spanish Empire vivid and real for
/ ALI tinei The closest OF Observers he painted
what he saw at a splendid court, and dissolute
| naughty kings, seif-conscious prtncesses in
| gorgeous clothes, ambitious ministers, with
! sinister faces; winsome princes, with their
Monies: dwarfs and dogs and dukes courtiers
and buffoons stili live the waIis of the
museum and with uncessing Yivacity and
pride impress thsir eourtiy. cerernonious man
neYs un0a the new Madrid. Colonies and en-
pire may have been flung away but the grand
STYLE remains for Veiesquez has impaired i'm
mortality to it. The Spanish capital In these
fk,es after the catastrophe of and the loss
! az eFefdrs has been like the naughty little
Princess Margaret in his master work LAS
kfeaiaas'' The full glory of an older genera
tieH of ROYALTY and imperial power may only be
reflected vaguely is the mirror, bat tas ea pital
Ugs the diedainfui princess among her maids of
hosaF aHd dgaTfs clings to every detail of
ceremony and J3rspriety, and Wi3ea princes kReei
and sDee;ai ambassadors offer the gedea cup
OF eengratuiatieH aRd geed wishes, chances
aside with sidtiHas PsHP AID pride, /. n, b,