Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-23
Dignity and Self Possession of
Alfonso of Spain.
WISHES TO TRAVEL
HIS AMBITION IS TO SEE MI
AGARA FALLS
News of the World is Expurgated for
His Perusal-Influence of the Queen
Mother-The Infanta Mercedes.
BY WILLIAM +. CURTIS.

BY WILLIAM +. CURTIS.
Special Correspondence of The Evening Star and
Chca go Record Herald.
MADRID. November It, 1903
Everybody speaks with admiration of the
kngly dignity and self-possesslon shown by
King Alfonso on the 31st of May last, when
he made his first appearance before the cor
ties In the character of a sovereign of Spain
1t was the first time after his coronation
that he was called upon to take the initia-
tive in a ceremony and he delivered his first
formal speech
The text, which was quite long, was. as
usual. prepared for him by his minister's
but his delivery is said to have been perfect
and to have commanded the admiration of
every one present. of course, he has been
accustomed to be stared at and to appear
in functions since he was an infant. l told
you in a previous letter of his training and
experience In this line when he was babe
in long clothes, and he had more right
TO be ratified at his debut before the cortes
than one of the old cream-colored cobs that
hauled the royal chariot through bowling
mobs in the frequent professions in which
they take part. The horses are trained from
colts to mind their own business, ard would
not be disturbed If a cannon should be fired
off between their legs or a trombone solo
played under their noses. They would con-
slider 1t part of the program and march
on as Solemnly as ever. y boy of seventeen,
who is required for the first time in his life
to deliver an address of thirty minutes be-
fore national parliament and a crowd of
statesmen. politicians and other critics, may
be pardoned for showing little diffidence.
Yet they tell me that Alfonso showed none
at all; that he read his speech in clear,
firm voice with nprfpCt infection and
siderable oratorical effect. and at the close
of the spectacle. when 1t came time to re-
tire from the presence of parliament he did
so with dignity and grace that emphasized
his sovereignty.
Wants to See Niagara Falls.
There is no question as to the kingly quail
tiles he possesses or as to his good inten-
tons and high aspira tions. 1t is a pity that
he cannot be relieved of the narrow in
fuenCes that surround him and go out into
the world He has an ardent desire to visit
the other capitals of Europe. and recently
confessed to an American caller that it was
the height of his ambition to go to the
United States and see Niagara Falls. But
he said sadly that he feared he would never
be able to do so. Whenever one of the Eu-
ropean ambassadors visits him he invarla-
bly, inquiries the length Of the journey to
London. to Brussels or to Copenhagen and
how long IL would take. He is quite inqusi-
tive to political events in other countries,
and whenever he met the representatives, of
other European sovereigns who came to his
coronation he asked many pertinent ques-
tons about their national affairs.
While lie Is not thoroughly posted as to
current events. because his tutors will not
permit him to know certain things, like
the assassination of Mckinley and similar
events. as | explained to YOU the other day,
he reads the government organs of Madrid
regularly and one or two of the French
papers occasionally. and it is the duhy of
To prepare for him every morning a sum-
mary of the days events. This IS done with
great discretion. Care is taken to omit
everything that could be construed as I'M
favorable to Spain. He has been much in
terested lately in the visit of the Italian
king TO Paris. and has determined to make
a. similar excursion, which may be ar
ranged in the near future, because the two
governments are now negotiating a treaty
OF alliance, and their relations might be
considerably strengthened by an exchange
OF visits.
The Infanta Mercedes.
There are reasons, however, that make it
a little difficult for him to go away, and I'M
less his mother remained at home and re-
sumed her power regent he would not be
permitted to go. 1t is a matter of contro-
versy If it would be lawful for her to do SO,
although by royal decree proclaimed upon
the day of his coronation he conferred
upon her all the rights and privileges she
enjoyed during the lifetime of his father,
and she is the Queen of Spain. Many people
hold that she cannot assume the regency,
which, In the absence OF the king herea fter
must rest with his sister. the Infanta Mer-
cedes, Princess OF Asturias, and heir to the
throne. If the latter should be allowed to
assume the regency there would be ter
rible row. Many think that the people
would not permit It. because of the preju-
dice against her husband who Is supposed
TO control her. II General Weylers firm
h1 ND h31 NOT hl16 no mo- in Iri1 ut
the time of her marriage there would have
been tremendous demonstration of re-
monstrances. and he just managed to keep
the peace by the aid of large army
The Objectionable man is Count Caserta
of Naples. nephew OF the late husband Of
the IHfanta Isabella, nephew of Don Carlos,
the pretender to the throne OF Spain. and
OF his most active and influential back
ell and adviser. Since the prince was child
his father has been quiet; there have been
TO Carlist revolutions or formidable demon
strations, and the old general has lived
quietly and in great poverty upon his
estates near Naples He also has large
estates near Burgos. in Spain. but they are
incumbered and bring him little revenue.
The son has been educated in Spain, and
has never been in Carlist circles. His aunt.
the Infanta Isab- LA, has taken great in
tereSt in him, and through her influence he
was admitted to the Royal Artillery School
at Segovia, and upon graduation obtained
a commission in the army. He is said to be
q young man OF much intelligence and good
habits, and certainly is the best looking
figure about the court. Even the most
prejudiced Spaniard will admit that he is
good looking lie is modest, unassuming
and goes about the streets of Madrid in
fatigue uniform like any other soldier.
1t is probably true as has been asserted,
that the marriage WIS love match. al
though some people have construed il as d
diplomatic attempt TO secure a reconcilia-
ton between the royal family and the Carl
lists. 1t Is not at all probable that Don
ri nS had an N al or
any OF his advisers We're concerned in an
intrigue to marry the heir to the throne TO
a Carist. 1t is publicly known that the
ministers, the Cortes. the court. and even
the mother. were decidedly opposed to the
match and endeavored to prevent IT, al
though 1t is reported that some of the
priests about the palace encouraged it and
assisted the young man In his courtship