The San Francisco call., 1906-05-28
Hing PardOns Prisoner
Condemned to Die
on Gallows.
Culprit Spared While on
Way to the Place Of
Execution.
Dramatic Incident Adds
to Popularity Of AL
fonso' S Bride.

MADRID. May 27.-The Nrst notable act
of Princess Ena of Battenberg since her
arrival in Spain to become the bride OF
King Alfonso XIII has been to induce the
King to pardon Fernando Levera, who
was condemned to death after an exciting
trial. The dramatic circumstance under
which pardon was given as the con-
demned man was going to the gallows at
tracts widespread attention and further
augrnents the popularity of Princess Ena-
Levera was to have been executed in
the neighboring town OF Bada1oses but
the population solicited Frincess Enas in
tercession. and she spoke to the King.
who consulted with his Ministers. and
after Cabinet council the Government
resolved to grant the request, as 1t was
the irst petition the Princess had made
in Spain Thereupon the King issued
pardon, and telegram announcing this
fact reached the prison at Badajose
half hour before the time set for the ex-
ecution. The march to the scaffold was
about TO begin when messenger brought
word OF the pardon
There were remarkable scenes OF RS
joicing. The townspeople formed pro-
cession and sang the praises of their
Oueen-to-be The people of Madrid also
highly approve the Princess humane in
tervention. and the newspapers comment
ing one OF mercy
The Pardo palace was again the seems
of royal ceremonies to-day. the IDEAL
weather permitting open air religious SER
vices on the lawns OF the palace, where
the military Bishop celebrated a cam
paign mass 1t was~a pretty sight. with
the brilliant uniforms OF the soldiers
forming a background for the royal Fer
sonages.
Princess Enas interest in the Spanish
uniforms led King Alfonso to summon six
soldiers representing the various arms OF
the service for his bride-elect's inspection
Of their arms and accoutrements- This
was source OF especial satisfaction to
the influential army element
Later in the day King Alfonso and
Princess Ena went in an automobile to
the picturesque forests of Pardo.
On one of Princess Ena's visits 10
Madrid she was permitted to visit the
gorgeous nuptial apartments that have
been prepared in the royal palace and to
try on the wedding dress made here
The Cabinet Ministers have had their
share in the prevailing enthusiasm over
Alfonso's fiancee. Premier Mouret ex-
pressed his official view while drinking q
toast to the Princess. Addressing King
Alfonso, the Premier said:
Sire. you have brought US a treasure.
May it please God to make US worthily
conserve IL.
King Alfonso's presents to his bride ars
on exhibition ind attract great attention
for the beauty of the gems and their
value, which is said to exceed 81. 000. 600
They consist OF a crown for state occa-
sions. framed in gold and set with bril-
liants; diadern, two collars. one Of pearls
and the other of rubies and sapphiress q
pair of golden bracelets, a pair Of pend
ants and a large diamond brooch
One of the curious conceits Is a minia-
ture diamond automobile. The door Of
this opens to show the portrait of the
King.
The Government has shown exceptional
consideration for the envoy of the United
States. Frederick Wallingford Whitridge,
as the palace of the Countess Pino-Her-
mosa, which has been placed at his dis
posal. was the only castle assigned to
persons outside the royal houses. The
quarters of the American envoy are being
sumptuously prepared. the furnishings be-
ing part OF the Spanish exhibit at the
Paris exposition of 1900. Whitridge. who
is accompanied by Mrs. Whitridge and
their two daughters. will have numerous
suites. salons and boudoirs and also =
billiard room and the rare library OF
Marquis Alguibas-