The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-18
DETAILS OF CORONATION.
Procession Was Spectacle ofMedieyal
NH,r,;Ecopco
MagnifIcence.
nv Associated Press.

MADRID, May liking Alphonso at
tanned his majority to-day and became
King in fact. as we'll as in name. having
reached the age (sixteenl prescribed by
the Constitution.
Beautiful weather favored this. the
central day of the fetes At all early
hour all the bands OF music of the troops
composing the garrison marcnad through
the principal streets, playing lively
marches. to the royal palace. where they
performed beneath the windows Of the
Kings apartments.
THE QUEEN ABDICATEs.
The Queen Regent has sent the so;!pr-
ing letter to the Premier. Senior Ssg1;.a:
ION terminating to-day. the regency.
to which I was called by the Constlsu-
ton al time of profound sadness and
unexpected widowhood. I feel in the depth
of my heart the necessity of expressing
to the Spanish people my immense and
unchanging gratitude for the proofs or
affection and support which / nave re-
cefved from all classes of society III at
that time foresaw that without the
loyalty and confidence of the people
would be unable to fulfill my mission. To-
Gay, in looking back on this period, the
longest of all Spanish regencies. ana re-
collecting the bitter trials which Provl'
dence has spared us, I appreciate those
virtues in all their magnitude. affirming
that, thanks to them. the nation mas
been able TO traverse such profound
crises under conditions which augur an
epoch Of tranquil well-heing for the fu-
t1,re Therefore, in handing to King
Alfonso XIII the powers which l have
exercised in his name, am confident
that all the Spaniards who are gather
ing around him will inspire him with the
confidence and fortitude necessary to
fulfil the trust placed in him That Will
be the most complete recompense for ms
mother. who having devoted her life to
the fuldlment of her duties. begs God
TO protect her son, in order that emulat-
ing the glories OF has ancestors. he may
succeed in giving peace and prosperity
TO the noble people. over whom he wis
reign. I beg You tosmake known to all
Spaniards the sincere expression OF my
profound thanks and the fervent wishes
r make for the felicity of our beloved
country
MEDIEVAL N1AGNIFICENCE.
The Royal procession was formed on
the Plaza de Armas in front Of the Pal
ace shortly before . P. NJ. and proceed
Cd to the Chamber OF Deputies. where.
in the presence OF the Senators and
the public, the King took the oath to
uphold the Constitution. The procession
was a spectacle of medieval nagnifi-
cence. Eight grooms, on horseback. OPP
ened the march They were followed by
four buglers and cymbal players from
the Royal stables. whose horses were
led by grooms on foot: four mace bear
ers on four horses. with oriental trap
pings. led by hand: two Of the Kings
riding horses two of the Queen Regents
riding horses. ready saddled. led by
grooms, and six other Royal horses. COW
cred with handsome velvet cloths OF
red, blue, green and yellow, embroidered
Wit harmoria1 bearings in gold and sill
YER Then came twelve OF the principal
outriders. who directly preceded ilne
OF quaint historical coaches. emblazoned
with armoriai bearings and embellished
with massive. gilt ornamentation ne
Goa lehman and footmen wore brilliant
Louis XVI. lireries. and the trappings
of the horses were OF the most gor-s
genus description. The first vehicle.
bronze colorcd. drawn by four black
horses. was occupied by four masters
alarms. After IL came the so-called
Paris. coach, occupied by the Court