The Washington times., 1905-08-21
KING Of SPAIN
BECOMING INSANE
Marriage Plans Called Off
by Edward.
SAID TO HAVE PHTHlSIS
English King Had Him Watched by
Physicians During Visit-Alarm-
ing Reports.
SAID TO HAVE PHTHlSIS

MADRID, Aug. a-AIfonso XIII,
King of Spain. stands within the shad-
ow OF that dread maIady insanity. He
IS a sufferer now from phthisis. and the
signs he gives Of impending insanity
are sufficiently serious 10 disturb the
courts Of Europe.
Because he became convinced that the
young King is marked as insanity's vic
tim, King Edward interrupted negotia-
tions for his marriage with Princess Pa
tricia of Connaught, during Alfonso's
recent visit TO England.
These assertions are made upon the
authority OF DR.. Macho, private ply
sician TO the bishop of Sica, who IS pri-
vate chaplain TO the royal family. Dr.
Macho says;
King Was Prudent.
THE proposed marriage OF King Al
fonso and the Princess Patricia of Con-
naught was declared off at the time AL
fonso visited London. King Edward ap-
pointed two physicians as members Of
Alfonso's suite, with Instructions 10
study Alfonso's physical condition.
These physicians reported that AL
fonso was suffering from phthists, and
showed signs of insanity Acting upon
this report, King Edward broke off the
Alfonso came 10 The throne of Spain
three years ago. on attaining his major
iEy. or at the age of sixteen years. He
is one OF the few rulers in the world ;
history. who was born a King, being
the posthumous child OF Alfonso XII,
and being proclaimed King Of Spain
at the moment of his BIRTH During his
minority his mother ruled as Queen
Regent
Kept Himself Informed.
Al nineteen years OF age. his majesty
is neither a nonentity in his kingdom
nor the puDpet of his ministers. His
IS the nature which never will be salts
fed 10 be merely a hgurehead: he VIII
understand facts, he insists on COM
pretending each and every measure Of
the cortes, or parliament, and he has
a firm viii OF his own respecting these
measures, as his ministers are well
aware.
Ever since King Alfonso assumed the
reins of power he has seen TO it that he
is kept thoroughly well informed of
everything that is going on, He pre-
sides over general council once or
twice every week, and he makes rule
OF giving audience TO his prime minis
Ter every day. when ne and that gentle
man are IN the same city, also giving
frequent audiences to other department.
al ministers in their turns. or as emer-
sency requires.
Il IS not only, that the young King
knows how 10 rule, but he loves 10 come
INTO personal contact with those whom
he rules
Soldier and Statesman.
Like the German Emperor he thor
oughly enjoys q surprise visit TO his
troops, and will himself lead out the reg
iments, afterward witnessing the
march past"
He Will inspect a fortress and show
himself thoroughly conversant with the
whole OF its defenses. and he is also
well posted IN the construction and
technique of his men-of-war.
Thus King Alfonso is soldier. sailor
ana statesman He is well Versed in the
theory OF government, political econO-
my. history. science and tactics He is q
aaent Hnguist, speaking and writing
EngHsA, French. German and Italian,
IN addition. Of course. to his native Ian
guage.
His majesty has accom- mpIishments 9th
er than languages, such as music and
drawing, and recreations, among which
may be mentioned billiards, fencing
boxing and shooting. in the latter of
which he particularly exceIs He has
several hobbies. such as collecting coins
stamps and postcards and he Is quite
an accomplished amateur PHOTOGRAPHER
gong through all the processes himself
1Tonn start TO finish.