The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-05-28
ENA ASKED
 FOR MERCY Notable Act of Spain's $
 Queen to Be. CRIMINAL WAS PARDoNED
Notice of clemeney as Livera
 Mounted Scaffold.
Pleas of Pretty Princess Caused AL phenso to Give Condemned Man His Life and Liberty-
 Cabinet ReJoices.

Madrid. May 27-The first notable sct of Princess Ena of Battenberg since her arrival in Spain to become the bride of King Alfonso XIII was when ehe induced the king to pardon Ferdi- hand Llvera, who was condemned to death after an exciting trial.
 The dramatic circumstances under which pardon was given as the con defnned man was going to the gailows, attracts widespread attention and fur ther argments the popularity of Prfn- cess Ena
 Livera was to have been executed in the neiEhboring town of Badajoz but tho. population solicited Princess Ena's intercession and she spoke to the king. who consulted with his ministers and after cabinet council. the govern mont resolved to grant the request as It was the first petition the s.eincess had made in Spain. Thereupon the king issued pardon and telegram announcing this fact reached the pris- On at Badajoz half an hour before the time se-i for the execution. The march to the scaffold was about to begin when messenger brought word of the par don.
 There were remarkable scenes of rejoicing. The townspeorle formed a procession and sang the praise of their
 
 also highly approve the princess hu- p1ale intervention and the newspapers comment upon the coming queens first act as being one of mercy.
 Royal Ceremonies at Parslo.
 The Pardo palace was again the scene of royal ceremonies today, the ideal weather permitting the oren air religious services on the lawns of the palace. where the nlili.ars bishop cele- brated campaign mass, It was a pretty sight with the brilliant uniforms of the soldiers forming q background for the royal psrsonaees.
 Princess Ena's interest in the Span- ish uniforms led King, Alfonso to sum men six soldiers rspresentirg the va rinus arms of the service or his bride elects ,inspection;of of sheir arms and ac- coutrernents- This was a source or satisfactton to the influential army eie- nlent
 Princess Ena went in an automobile to the picturesque forests of Pardo.
 The Royal Palace.
 The Royal Palace of Madrid is doub1y interesting just now. both as the place from which King Alfonso goes to meet his bride and as the future home of the royal couple. The suite of apartments designed for the future Queen have been most lavishly prepared with the richest art treasures from the galleries of Spain. But aside from this, the pal ace itself Is one of the largest and most sumptuous of Europe. It is built on the former site of the Alcazar of the ancient kings, from plans by the Ital- ian artist Giovanni Bettfrta Sac- chetti
 The first stone was laid in 173s and twenty-five years afterwards Charles III took possession of the ediice and began the decoration of the interior. The 'expediture amounted to 300. GOO, 900 eales Immense substructures give \ Ne palace dominating position on the uzanares River, and lend 1t the ap- pt Nance not only of palace. but of l leat citadel commanding the city. It c vers an expanse of 22,500 square meti S; 45o feet on each side and 1850 feet Nh. The massive structure Is of granit. throughout. except the frames of the doors and windows. which are of marble.
 The entrance to the Royal Palace, which is conceded to be ore of the most magnificent in the world. has been fur ther enriched for the present occasion. It is gorgeously carpeted and orna- mented. illuminated day and night by myriads of electric lights concealed within the rich gold cornices, with Hal badieres in their brilliant uniforms act ing as guards. At the first landing, serving as pillars to the balustrade, there are two enormous lions of stone. the work of the sculptors Castro and Michel It 1t we'll known that Napo- leon I had a jealous regard for these Hons on the day that he admired the palace, remarking to his brother that they were better housed than he him. self In Paris. The high vaulted cell ing contains notable paintings by the NeopoIitan artist, carado Giaquinto, heir of the great decorator. Lucas Tor FRt fresco which occupies the centre, Is an alleSory of the Triumph of Religion, Assisted by Spain"
 The Sale des Ambassadors, where the imposing reception will take place after the wedding, is one of the most splendid apartments of the palace with fittings of incalculable value. The flooring Is Of different marbles which form designs in the Italian style. rhe walls are nung with crimson velvet and gilt armaments, the brightness of which has been toned down 0y time. The enormous mirrors which came from the royal factory of LaGranee are surrounded by heavy gold frames of the time of Charles ", while inter- vening statues of bronze and marble represent heroes, pagan gods and alle- gorical figures. Some of the notable. adornments of this remarkable apart meme art The Pawn" by Praxiteles. venus ana mercury dILeF the con ception of Jean de Bologna; Jupiter on the Eagle" and at each side of the throne statues of Prudence and Justice. represented as the counselors of Kings.
 Description of Throne.
 The royal throne Is under superb red canopy situated above the steps richly carpeted in the same color. At either side stand four gilt lions. repre- sented as controlling the world. The ceiling forms a brilliant contrast, being clear and luminous. It was executed by the famous Venetian painter. Tie polo, ard is said to be oneNof the most finished decorative works in the world. The Idea developed in this vast com position Is The Glory of the Spanish Monarch" represented by a proud ma tron seated on a throne and attended by allegorical deities. contemplating a sky peopled by numerous figures. among them Mercury. the symbol of material prosperity, In the corners appear picturesque groups of types of