The Savannah morning news., 1902-05-18
ALFONSO NOW REIGNS
YOUNG KING OF SPAIN CROWNED
AT MADRID.
MOST IMPOSING CEREMONIES.
OLD SPANS GRANDEUR AND GLORY
SEEMED REVIVED.


itaI a brilliant Spectacle With
Most Magnificent Display of Rich
EQufpment-Spain's Poverty Had
Disappeared for the Time Peing.
Attempt OF Crank 10 Reach the
King Caused Somewhat of N SEN
satiOn, But no Trouble ArOse-The
Young King Was Natural and Ora
cious and Bore on His Part in n
Highly Creditnble Manner.
Madrid, May Hills Majesty Alton
so XIII, King of Spain, solemnly took
the oath to the constitution in the Hall
of Assembly of the Chamber of Depu-
ties to-day, with the utmost ceremony
and in accordance with all the reli-
gious forms and encient rites.
Shortly after the break of day the
ceremonies began with a salute of
twenty-on cannon shots, marking the
opening of the day, and at the same
hour the church bells throughout
Madrid began rining.
The firing of cannon announced to
the expectant populace that the time
had arrived for the departure of the
royal procession for the scene of the
days ceremonies. Leaving behind the
magnificent pile of granite and marble
with its superb view of the Valley of
Manzanares, the royal cortege moved
slowly southwark toward the capital.
The entire route, which lay through
the Calls de Alacala, the Puerto del
Sol and other famous thoroughfares
ardN public squares, was ablaze with
color. The innate love of the Spaniard
for color and display had found vent
in a wealth of decorations that was as
hewildering as it was gorgeous and at
tractice Entire house fronts were hid
cen beneath masses of red and yellow
bunting and from every possible point
f1uttered flags and steamers bearing
the royal coast of arms. The streets
were marked by double rows of Vene-
tan masts from which foated banners
of gorgeous hue.
Two facts were worthy of note in
regard to the progress of the royal
cortege through the crowded streets.
In the pageant itself with the gilded
carriages of state and all the gala I'M
iforms, there was nothing to suggest
the poverty of the Spanish monarchy,
while in the enthusiastic demonstra-
tions of the populace there was no
outward indication of that spirit of
discomfort and revolution which is
supposed to exist among the Spanish
people For the time being everyone
appeared absorbed in the enjoyment of
the gorgeous spectacle. For the first
time IN nearly a score of years Spain
was to have a king and the contempla-
ton of that fact alone was sufficient
cause for satisfaction. So the people
gave their hearty cheers to the young
not forgetting the Queen
Mother, now about to relinquish the
reins of government in favor of him to
whom she has given all her care and
affection since his birth under such
pathetic circumstances sixteen years
ago to-day.
The grand procession was headed by
a detachment of cavalry forming the
garrison of Madrid! Following were the
court dignitaries. the mayors and the
leading cities, members of the various
local and provincial governments and
representatives of the universities and
other institutions of Spain. These were
followed by delegations from the SEN
ate and Chamber. the nobility. the
church. etc.
The royal insignia, borne by high
court dignitaries. including the collar
of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the
sword, the standard and the seal OF
CASTLE. and the royal mantle of His
Majesty. The Spanish crown. circle
of gold. richly decorated with jewels
and precious stones, adorned with
eight leaves and closed with four
arches, surmounted the carriage in
which rode the King and Queen moth
er. The carriage itself was a dream
of gorgeous color. The vehicle was a
huge and cumbersome affair, according
to latter-day notions, and was made
for King Philip V. It's interior was
II hlxy t1nhO1cfaral in
while the outside was decorated with
paintings by Rubens and riehly inlaid
with silver and pearl. 1t was drawn
by eight magnificent horses with foot
men and outridars clad IN the livery
of the period of Charles y. In the
front were squads of brilliantly uni
formed soldiers, while at the side can
tered a galaxy of Spanish generals.
Two dozen carriages, scarcely less rich
in their fittings and decorations. con-
veyed the Infantas and the great dig
nitaries of the royal palace. As the
procession swept by. the troops. in pa
rade order, presented arms and rem
deed al! military honors TO the royal
party.
Upon arrival at the Chamber of Dep
uties the King was received a the foot
of the exterior stairway by the Presi-
dent OF tbs Chamber. who conducted
V,
where the throne and altar had been
erected on a raised platform, above
which hung rich canopy of purple and
gold. There was little room to spare
in the great hall. spacious though it is.
Senators and deputies were grouped
about the foot of the throne. Near by
were the prelates and clergy of the Ro-
man Caholic Church. The body of the
hall, except that portion reserved for
relatives of the King and high officials
OF state, was given over to the heredi-
tary nobility and others whose rank
and position entitled them to admit
lance.
Brief Ceremony.
The ceremony of taking the oath and
the annointment occupied scarcely a
quarter of an hour.
The Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo
mounted the steps of the throne. placed
himself in front of the King and in
vited His Majesty to make before his
faithful subjects and in a loud voice
his profession of faith. and presented
him with the open book. The annoint-
ment and the administration of rhe
oath followed both ceremonies being
conducted with great solemnity and i'm
pressiveness.
His Majesty received the benediction
from the special envoy of the Pope, who
recited the prayer prescribed by the
ritual. The young King arose and or
dered that the royal mantle with the
collard of the Order of the Golden
Fleece be presented to him. They were
presented on cushions richly ornament
ed with gold. One of the assistants
of His Majesty adjusted the royal
ln In, civ 10