New-York tribune., 1906-05-27
ANIMATION In MADRID.
Cro.pds Cheer British Princess
King 4lfonso's Gifts.

Madrid, May 26.-King Alfonso visited his
nr1se-elect Princess Ena Of Battenbe-g, at an
ss-sy hour this morning. driving q motor car
over the route leading 10 the Pardo Palace. The
King and princess appeared on an upper bal
amy 70 witness the morning relief OF the Royal
nusrd The princess was gowned In gray, with
g broad b-1mmed hat. adorned with a sweeping
,.d plume. Tie crowds outside the gate cheered
,beir appearance. Shortly afterward King Al
.onso and the Battenberg family drove to
Madrid between lines os enthusiastic people
The open carriages were drawn by gayIy cspari-
.ored mules King Alfonso sat beside his pros
rective bride with Princess Beatrice opposite
thsrn while the Duke OF sotomayor, the court
officials and the Battenberg retinue filed a dozen
cthe- carriages. Luncheon at the Royal Palace
s drive 10 Casa del Campo and the return to
psrdo Castle at nightfall occupied the day.
The Spanish nobility and aristocracy, which
additionally are conservative toward foreign
c7nsorts appear 70 share the popular feeling of
admiration toward Princess Ena. whose regal
hearing and beauty. they say, make her worthy
os-he Spanish crown. The Infanta Eulalie, after
her meeting with Princess Ena on Friday night
,,y-ned 70 Alfonso ana said: Whether Queen Of
Spain or not she is by nature queen"
The animation Of the capital increases daily
As the crowds flock in from the provinces. The
hnai preparations for the wedding are being
hastily completed. Thousands Of workmen are
engaged in decorating the streets. The Pariia-
roent building has been elaborately trimmed
with the Spanish colors and five thousand cleo
sric lights viii outline the structure by night
The ministries OF War. State snd Navy have
been similarly decorated with Spanish and Brit
ish arms and embleuns. The main thoroughfares
Of the city are tangle of electrical devices
the lights taking on various hues through tulip
bulbs and fantastic lanterns
King AIfonsos presents 10 his bride are on ex-
hibitlon and attract great attention Their value
Is said TO exceed 100000. They consist OF a
crown framed in gold and set with brilliants,
and also a diadem, TWO collars, one Of pearls and
the other Of rubies and sapphires. a pair Of
golden bracelets. pair OF magnificent pendants
and large diamond brooch. One Of the curious
conoeits is a miniature diamond automobile. a
model Of the Kings fsvorite car. The door Of
this opens. showing portrait Of the King
Many palaces Of grandees are being prepared
for the visiting princess. The government has
assigned Archduke Frederick Ferdinand OF
Austria 10 the Palace Of Denia; Prince Albert
OF Prussia 70 the Palace Of villa Mejor; Grand
Duke Vladimir TO the Palace Of Castaneda: the
Prince and Princess OF Teck TO the Palace Of
Alba; the Prince of Belgium to the Palace of
Fernan-M Munez; the Prince and Princess of Han
over 10 the Palace Of Viana- and the Prince OF
Monaco TO the Palace Of Pazo- -Merced.
The government has shown exceptional con-
sideration for the envoy Of the United States,
Frederick WaIlingford Whtridge, as the Palace
Of the Countess Pino-Hermoso. which has been
placed al his disposal, is the only castle assigned
10 persons outside the royal houses. The quar-
tiers Of the American envoy are being sumptu-
oUsly prepared, the furnishings being part OF
the Spanish exhibit al the Paris Exposition Of
1919. The marble staircase in the palace is one
Of the finest in Madrid. Mr.. Whiuridge. who is
secoupanied by Mrs Whiridge and their two
daughters. viii have numerous suites. salons and
boudoirs and also a billiard room and the rare
library Of Marquis Alquibas, which has been
moved 20 the castle.