The Lamar register., 1907-10-16
QUEEN Wl,HELMINA


the Netherlands-tall. stately. fair
haired. eyes Of blue, and clear COM
plexion, with animated, kindly, yet
resolute expression-is the only wom-
an ruler of Europe. She is very much
beloved by her subjects, and little
heard of outside of her own king
dom.
Her majesty was at an early age
called upon to reign over a hardy,
Independent and tumultuous people;
but she who is a child of heroes, a
descendant of William the Silent, the
nations idol. has proved herself fully
equal to the task; for the queen and
her subjects have the same patriot
Ism. the same ideals and beliefs, and
The same love of freedom.
1t is now nine years since Queen
Wilhelmina took the oath of inaug-
uration-a ceremony equivalent to
coronation-and took the reins into
her own hands. her mother having act
ed as queen-regent from the time of
Wilhelmina's accession at ten years
of age.
The palace of the Loo is a finelook-
Ing and imposing building, standing
back in quadrangle, resplendant
with gaily colored flower beds In the
rear are immense gardens, and the
whole is situated in the midst of the
most beautiful forest No more
charming and secluded spot for resi-
dence could be obtained, and 1t is no
wonder that 1t is u favorite abode
of her majesty and the Prince Con-
sort. Here the royal couple lead life
of comparative retirement, following
the respective tastes and hobbies to
which they are partial. Both the ex-
allied personages are of particularly
active disposition. and seldom indulge
in idle moments.
Queen Wilhelmina gets up very ear
ly in the morning and dresses quick
ly; then descends to breakfast, during
which she opens letters, duty which
so far her majesty has not relegated
to a secretary. With respect to her
correspondence. Queen Wilhelmina is
most conscientiously particular. She
gives her earnest attention to minute
Details insists on every letter being
answered; and where possible grants
petitions to even the poorest of her
subjects. She decides quickly. for
she thinks quickly, and the people
who are brought into personal contact
with her majesty are soon rated &C.
cording to their merits. for no one is
a more shrewd Judge of character
than is the young sovereign of the
Netherlands.
When her majesty was quite a
young child, she was thoroughly in.
structed in cooking. exactly as is the
usual good fashion amongst the Dutch
aristocracy; SO she perfectly under.
stands what composes a good dinner,
and scans the menu prepared by the
chef, striking out or putting in dishes
which she may or may not prefer As
l have already mentioned. her mai
esty's health. has not been of late
years exceptionally good, and the
large amount of horse exercise in
which she formerly delighted is now
somewhat curtailed; but still, on most
mornings the queen rides, accompan-
led by her husband or the master OF
the horse.
Luncheon is partaken of at a quite
early hour, and in the afternoon it is
usual for the queen and prince to
drive out together. her majesty more
often than not taking the reins.
Queen Wilhelmina is naturally of a
most affectionate nature, and has the
happy faculty of retaining her friends,
never forgetting those of her child
hoods days. AS a matter of fact
her two former governesses are still