The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-05-14


named Alfonso.
Madrid, May 10.-Queen Victoria
gave birth today to a son, who be-
comes heir to the throne Of Spain.
The birth Of the royal babe has
been awaited with eager interest
throughout Spain. The news from
the palace early this morning that
the accouchemcnt OF the queen was
imminent spread like wild fire and
crowds flock2d 10 the great plaza
fronting thc royal palace.
The happy event had taken the
capital somewhat by surprise, for on
ly yesterday afternoon the queen
had taken her customary drive and
the court physicians mad intimated
that another two weeks would pass.
Court is Summoned.
Messengers were hastily Dispatch
ed to the prime minister and other
chief court dignitaries, as the advent
of an heir to the throne of Spain is
all event Of the deepest political
significance.
Through the early morning minis
tcrs and bic functionaries arrived at
the court of the palace.
Meantime word reacnelo the wait
ing thrones that the queen was pro-
crossing we'll. The doctors announc-
ed her condition normal and satisfac-
tory.
King at Bedside.
King Alfonso. remained at the
queens bedside.
At s O'Clock this mornin" the king
cancelled the meeting of the council
Of ministers, which was to have con-
sidered current state affairs, By 10
o'clock the high functionaries Of
state and capital, with many ambas-
sadors and ministers in their court
costumes, had reached the palace.
At noon this assemblage Of the
nobility aud power of Spain was
grouped III the royal apartments set
aside for official ceremonies, await
ing with feelings Of profound emo
ton, the announcement of the birth
of the heir. The birth of the babe
occurred at 1915 p. m.
Great Joy In Spain.
The announcement was Immediate
~ conveyed to the officials and crowds
outside the palace, who received the
glad tilings with mingled feelings Of
enthusiasm and emotion. That the
queen had been blessed with soil
a male heir to the throne-was no
less welcome than the happy event
itself.
In no monarchial country in the
world is the ceremonial observed at
the birth of the first offspring of the
king and queen so rigidly, stately and
formal in Spain, and on this occasion,
so significant for the Bourbon dynas-
ty with an heir to the throne so anX-
iously awaited, nothing was omitted
the courtly etiquette.
From the moment when Queen Vic
toria was officially announced to be
app oachine the period of maternity,
the most careful surveillance was eX-
ericsed over her, in order that the
hopes Of the country should not run
any risk of being blighted.
Visited Sacred Shrines.
Several months before her accoun-
element, according to Spanish royal
custom, the queen took up her resi-
dence at the palace in Madrid to
await the anxious moment. Thence,
accompanied by the king, she had un-
dcrtaken from time to time, pilgri-
images to various holy shrines to pray
for safe deilvcrancc, in the same
way as the humblest Spanish woman.
For quite month preccdin" the
auspicious event, members Of the
proud Spanish mobility have been in
constant attendance at the palace as
a prccaution against the unwelcome
surprise Of IA premature birth, whilst
the members cf TIE royal family have
taken up their residence either in the
palace itself or near at hand in the
capital.
When at length DR.. Glendenning,
the young English doctor who attend
ed the queen, announced that the birth
was q matter Of only a few hours,
urgent messages were dispatched to
the prime minister, Senor Maura,