Omaha daily bee., 1903-01-25
One Of Finest Collections Of Gold and Silver
Plate in World Displayed
MENU IS PRINTED IN GOLD CHARACTERS
Reception Follows in Large Halls of
the Royal Palace.
KING CHATS FREELY WITH HIS GUESTS
Conversation Turns on Infant Prince
which King Asserts f. Ger
tRinIy the "ReaI Thing"
in the Prince Line.

Copyright 1908. by Press Publishing Coz
BRUSSELS. Jan 2A.-(New York World
Cablegram-Special Telegram.)-An official
looking card with black border (for the
late aueen) reached the World correspond
ent, intimating that by the kings com
mand the grand marshal had the honor to
invite him to the palace as the guest Of
King Leopold at 1890 p. m. At the foot
was the legend EN- redingote deull' Tin
frock coat, mourning). On ahghting at the
palace the correspondent was ushered
along a vestibule into the cloak room.
Court etiquette requires that you leave
your overcoat and umbrella behind you, but
retain your bat in your hand. Passing
another group OF attendants, the corre-
spondent assembled the main staircase, en-
tered the ante-room, and. finally, the re-
ception room, where about twenty others
were assembled.
Hardly had we time to exchange greet
ings when the announcement was made
from the opposite end of tho room, lie
Roi." The large doors opened. as IL auto
matically, and the king entered with his
niece, the Princess Albert-Belgium's fu-
ture queen--on his arm, followed by Prince
Albert with the Princess Clementine, the
kings only unmarried daughter, and their
Iadies-in- waiting. We ranged ourselves
along the side Of the room and his
majesty advanced, saying a few words TO
each guest.
Again the doors opened, as IL automat-
Acally, and luncheon was announced. The
king took his niece upon his arm and
Prince Albert escorted Princess Clementine
Maids OF honor, with the court officials
and the rest OF US, struggled in. The cor
respondent, still toying abstractedly with
his headgear while seeking his seat, dis
appeared to deposit it elsewhere with great
rapidity.
Fine Array of Plate.
Perhaps there are finer collections ot
gold and silver plate at windsor. England
or the Winter palace in Russia. than were
set out here, but the effect certainly wal
beautiful. with the soft electric light color.
ing Of the flowers, fruits and sweetmeats
which filled the various centerpieces and
table accessories.
We were soon seated and the correspond.
ent found himself only third from the grand
marshal. who sat facing the king. The
king had on his right the Princess Albert
and on his left his daughter.
The conversation was carried on between
those who sat together and not across thu
table, which was wide and laden with
decorations. As the banquet proceeded
ceremony unbent, and there was an absenc,
Of restraint which bespoke the famil!
nature OF the gathering
The correspondent intercepted, quite &C
cidentally, a wink between the princess
and her cousin.
Course succeeded course. First a silvel
plate and then a gold plate. then vic,
versa. then Sevres porcelain OF rare work
mAnship, eating implements OF pure metal
crystal glasses and the serving carried Il
a high art.
Next to those sitting opposite, tn
laekeys commanded the writer's interest
They had knack Of looking into yacanc.
and converting the "wiSdows Of the soul
into an opaque. non-refector which woul,
bsfie the greatest OF hypnotists. The,
glide noiselessly behind you, anticipate
your wants and accept their role OF au
tomaton with an aplomb which is almos
disconcerting.
Menu of the Banquet.
The menu was inscribed in gold charac
ters. copy TO each guest. and read a
follows:
De Jeyen de sa Majestic.
Hors a oeuvre
petites Timbales Agnes -Sorel
Relieves
saumon. Sauce aux Capres.
Fflet de Boeuf a Ia GODDARD.
Entrees.
Cotelettes d'agneaux. Petit Pois.
Chaufrcix de Perdreaux Rouges.
Entremets de Legumes.
Chicoree Amere.
EpiRardes au veloure.
cnevreud. Sauce venison.
Foie gras a la Gelee.
Pommes Merlnguees.
Biscuit Richelieu.
= Ia inc
Glace Chocolat. Fruits Dessert.
When the courses were disposed Of III
king said word TO the grand marsha
which was the signal for the company {
rise. We went TO the reception room
where coffee was served. We moved abou
the room. always in a standing position. th
King in the center oonyersing. the pTir
eesses moving about and holding a littl
reception on their own account.
The World correspondent exchange
views with his majesty on subjects
current interest. The Princess Albei
Joined us and the talk turned on the II
FAINT prince.
"a real little prince" said the king.
Il am only afraid yon would think hii
an ugly baby" said the princess.
The correspondent protested that he wa
the prettiest baby In Europe. Our tai
was over; Others claimed attention.
Another quarter Of an hour, the kin
salutsd the company and withdrew, 10
lowed by members of his family. II
rest made their adieux TO the gran
marshal and descended he staircase
twOs and threes.