The evening Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1902-1902, 1902-05-19


group of young girls approached the
carriage, and one Of them offered Il
bouquet Of roses and carnations to his
majesty, while Der companions releas-
ell a number CT doves. Several of the
birds flew to the royal coach, and one
of them WAS caught by the king His
majesty accepted the bouquet and
warmly thanked the donors.
The unusual event of two bUllfghts
in one day was witnessed yesterday.
the other in the afternoon, and the
Plaza dc To:os was filled each time.
THE CGRO%ArION CEREMONIES.
King Alfonso attained his majolity
Saturday and became king in fact as
well as in name, having reached the
age of sixteen, prescribed by the con-
stitutiUn.
The royal procession was formed on
the Plaza de ArmHs in front Of the pal
ace shortly before . p. IN. and proceed
ed to the chamber Of deputies, where,
in the presence of the senators and
deputies, the king took the oath to up
hold the constitution.
A delegation consisting of twelve
senators aud twelve deputies received
their ma jesties at the steps, and, pre-
coded by the mace bearers, they were
conducted through the anterhanbcrs,
filled with cOurtiers and others who
I, t,, ind Il,
the chamber itself
Every reasonable precAution' had
been taken to provide for the safety OF
the princes and special ambassadors,
and Minister Weylcr, as minister OF
war; had nassrd n large force of regu-
lars at the capital, estimated as high
AS 10000. The route Of the royal
progress from tine palace TO the houses
Of congress was heavily lined with
troops hours before the function occur
red.
The chief thoroughfarcs were dec.
grated with simplicity, but not without
taste.
While the stately ceremony ut the
cortcs was witnessed by privileged
spectators Atone tn" royal procession
was watched in silence, but with eager
interest, by joyous multitldcs. After
the ceremony at the chanb Of tieDll-
ties the royal progress was made
through the crowded streets, aflanlc
with red and shimmcring with gold, to
San Francisco church.
of the church by the prinatc of Spain
and the cardinal archbishop Of Santa
20 de COmpOstcia, Jose Maria Martin
dc Herrera y de Ia IglcsiH, and twenty
bishops, all in the magnificent robes
which are only worn on great Occu-
sions Eight priests bore a canopy
over the king as he advanced up the
central nave and took his seat on n
throne placed beside crimson velvet
covered altar specially erected in front
of the gE'at altar. A re Dcum was
then chanted. accompanied by a grand
orchestra.
King Alfonso's first proclamation Is
addressed to the nation. After saying
that lessons Of experience are waiting
him his majesty expresses the hope
that he will receive from the people
the inspiration which will supply what
time has not taught him. Tie proca-
nation concludes thus:
IF Providence aids me and if the
Spanish people continue the support
they have accorded my august mother
during her regency, and do not doubt
they will, | have confidence that |
shall succeed in my desire to do all
that untiring devotion can accomplish
for the good Of the fathprland and the
peace. grandeur and well being Of the
Spanish nntion."
King Alfonso requested Premier Sa.
gasta to retain the seals Of office.