Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1907-05-16
4 PRINCE TO SPAIN
Queen Victoria ID the Mother OF a
Son and the Nation
RsjOices.
MUCH SOLEMN CEREMONY



succession to the throne Of Spain was
assured by the birth Friday OF son
to Queen Victoria. The news thrilled
the country. and Friday night the
happy event was being celebrated from
Gibraltar to the Pyrenees.
Queen Victoria and her son are
both doing well.
The hurried departure Of Royal
messengers from the palace at IL
o'clock Friday morning to summon
courtiers and the members Of the dip
lomatio corps gave the first indica'
ton that the birth was imminent. The
usual gathering outside the palace
was soon swelled by immense throngs
who watched the brilliantly Uniform
ed personages drive up to the royal
residence.
The crowd awaited In suspense until
nearly l o'clock when the thunder OF
the first cannon shot signified that
the royal accouchement was over
The reports were counted anxiousiy
until the fifteenth, and then a com
plete silence ensued. The seconds ap-
ueared as hours until the sixteenth
shot doomed and the continuation un-
til 81 informed the public that the
royal child was son.
The sixteenth report brought forth
a ringing cheer and at the same time
the royal standard was hoisted over
the palace. The people danced with
ioy and embraced each other shouting
Long live the king! Long live inc
queen"
The flags Of Spain and Great Brit
ain were raised over all the public
buildings of Madrid. Many business
houses closed for the remainder Oh
the day.
In the meanwhile the solemn cere-
m,ny Of presentation was being car
ried out inside the palace. The mis-
tress Of the robes, carrying huge
silver tray upon which was lying the
newly born royal baby, accompanied
bv King Alfonso and Premier Maura'
appeared In the antechamber where
the courtiers had assembled. .
The young monarch appeared full
of low as the premier. raising the
drapery which covered the infant on
the silver tray, said:
gentlemen, 1t is prince"
The solemn dignitaries thereon lot
got all etiquette and cheered the
king and queen. The minister OF JUS
tice Marquis Figueroa, made out the
birth certificate which was signed by
all present. The gathering then broke
up.
King Alfonso telegraphed the gooo
news to the pope, King Edward ana
the heads Of other states, ana later
the congratulations began to come H.
The ACCOMPLISHMENT was In every re-
spect normal and the queen is max
ing satisfactory progress. Her maj
esty proposed herself to nourisn tne
| infant prince, who shows signs OF the
utmost vitality. He has a strong
voice. blue eyes and face campiex
inn like his mothers. The queen was
the first to kiss the baby, and she was
followed by the two grandmother
Princess Beatrice Of Battenburg ano
Maria Christina, the dowageT queen
Of Spain.
DEGREES were issued Friday nign'
ordering a national holiday through
out Spain for Saturday, Sunday and
Monday. -
The cabinet later presented to King
Alfonso for his signature DEGREES
transferring the title of heir presump
tive from Prince Charles Of Bourbon
to the new born price.
II has been decided the baptism
shall occur Tuesday noon. In cour'
circles It is desired to name the baby
Carlos. but the matter Of his appella
ton has not yet been definitely de
cided.
King Alfonso Friday, IN honor Of thu
event decreed the pardon Of thous
ands Of prisoners, including eight per
sons who were condemned to death
washington, May ii. = Presiden
Roosevelt Friday sent to King Alfons'
XIII the following message:
Fl congratulate your majesty ant
the spanish nation on the birth OF al
heir to the throne Of Spain"