New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-28
- A1roNso,s hale RRoTHERs.


Alfonso XII made no provision whatsoever for
r,s two sons by the diva Elena SAM. who are now
sne.ituttnR legal proceedings against their halt
lrother the present King OF Spain, with the view
N a share IN their fathers estate. A couple OF
ears ago they made known for the first time their
--.,eosions in public in the Partisan courts But
sailing 10 accomplish anything. they have no"
transferred their operations TO Madrid, ana nave
gntrusted their legal interests 10 Senior Nongues'
veil known Republican member OF the CORES ara
~ the Spanish bar. who appears TO be determined
70 make all the trouble possible for the royal
Family.
Elena sanz lived IN Paris where Alfonso MI
frequently visited her incognito during the closing
wears OF his life. It may be remembered that
IA died very suddenly. before he had time 10 make
snv ARRANGEMENTS for her welfare or for that OF
che four children which she had borne him. Elena
herself died not long afterWard. and then two OF
che children suecumbed TO diphtheria The other
sxo Fernand and Henri were taken care OF by
a kind hearted woman who used 20 make her Nv
3ng r1ending rare iaces. and who included among
bs- customers many Of the great ladies Of Paris.
Through some OF them old Queen Isabella was
made aware of the existence OF the two boys. and
also OF their dependence upon the charity or the
lace rnender She at once interested herself in
their behalf ard although perpetually in financial
straits herself gave all the money that she could
toward their maintenance and likewise induced her
6aughtsr-in-law. Queen Cristina. to do something
for the children
n
ei+terlv resented her husbands neglect and inf
sslitiss ana that she IS thrifty rather than ex-
sravagant. consented to deposit sum OF half a
million OF francs for them IN the hands OF
Partisan banker. on the understanding that the
iatier was 10 pay them the annual interest OF the
amount az the rate Of per cent peT annum as
icng As they abstained from revealing their par
asnta4e. They observed this stipulation but IN
fortunately the banker became involved IN tenn
porary difncuties and for time was unable TO
nay them their allowance Instead OF waiting, or
else applying % Queen Cristina through the Span
Ssh AMBASSADOR they made the mistake az placing
their Affairs in the hands of Partisan lawyer.
who az once proceeded to bring suit against the
banker IN question securing and obtaining all POS
Ebe notoriety for tho case The lower courts d.
rected the banker 10 pay the entire capital into
the hands OF trustees appointed by the tribunal.
But the banker appealed. on the ground that the
young men by disclosing their relationship TO the
late King had violated the agreement and thus re
lieved both himself and Queen Cristina from any
further pecuniary obligations toward them. This
view confirmed appeal and II is on this
account that the young men. who are few years
older than King Alfonso. have now decided 20
bring suit against him and against his mother.
Queen Cristina. for a share in the late Kings es-
tate.
Il is possible that some compromise might have
been effected had # not been for the exaggerated
shaFaeter OF their pretensions ana the extoronate
aature Of their demands. which are characterized
Dy the utmost extravaganza. Whether they viii
ever be able 10 secure any verdict in their favor
from the Spanish courts is extremely doubtful. for
they have little nothing which 70 base their
claim. Alfonso never accorded them any, legal
sseognition, his egitimate offspring. and
ne chief proof upon which they win have to rely
V that Queen Cristina furnished them with an
allowance FOR the space of nearly twenty years
N fact paid for their bringing up and education.
the. however mag. and probably WILL argue that
she did this only fin order 10 protect tho name OF
Afr husband from scandal; for In spite Of his
indiscretions, she was deeply attached to him.
inourned him sincerely. and has sought in every
wsy TO protect his memory.