New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-06-10
PLIGHT OF AN ENVOY.

IN the pictures published OF the presentation by
King Alfonso Of his little son 10 the great dig
L-taries OF the realm and to the members Of the
diplomatic corps Immediately after the child's
birth misses the portrait Of the United States
envoy among the group of gorgeously apparened
foreign ambassadors and their secretaries. This is
10 be regretted, since he a particularly con-
spcuous figure on this memorable occasion by
reason Of his rainent. By order Of the King the
notices OF the impending birth Of the Prince of the
Asturias not sent out until the very last mo-
rnent, TO avoid prolonged and weary wait at
the palace The summons reached the United
States Legation after Minister Collier had started
for long drive. and & only while his way
home that he happened to learn the news.
Without waiting to return to the legation in
order 10 don full evening dress he FASTENED
just he was 10 the palace, made his way with
difficulty to the Joined his colleagues and
inqulriug whether there still time for him
to return home TO change his attire when it
announced that prince had been born. Minister
Collier made up for the oddly of his garments.
homogeneous among the gorgeous uniforms Of all
others present. by the cordially Of his cOngratua
tons 70 the King which vsibly pleased the latter
In this connection # IS interesting to recall that
until the days when Carl Schurz went as American
Minister to Madrid all the United States ENJOYS
there were wont 20 wear a diplomatic uniform on
state occasions. Just as the American ambassadors
the courts Of Vienna. Berlin and st. Petersburg
90 to-day. In fact II only with considerable
difficulty that Carl Schurz was able TO per
mission from old Queen Isabella TO allow him to
present his letters of credence TO her in ordinary
evening dress.
Incidentally 7 may mention that the grandee Of
Spain who happened to be in waiting the day
q the birth OF the little Prince Of the Asturias
was no other than Don Juan Prim, Duke and
Marquis de los Casujos and son Of the eldest son
Of the celebrated Marshal Prin, whose assassina-
tion in the streets OF Madrid the very OF the
landing Of the italian Duke Of Aosta 10 assume the
throne Of Spain remains UNPUBLISHED and a mys-
terry TO this day. Prim was one OF the most re-
honest that figured in the Spanish history of the
nineteenth century. After having been repeatedly
dictator he resisted the pressure brought TO
bear upon him, only by hrs countrynen but
also by foreign powers that he should assume the
crown Of Spain. Had he yielded TO their demands
the g-ardee who was in attendance as chamber
lain in the royal ante-chanber on the day Of the
birth OF the Prince Of the Asturias would have
been King Of Spain in lieu Of Alfonso Kill In &C
cordance with the custom on such occasions Don
Juan Prirn received the Grand Cross Of the order
Of Charles III
The various grandees DO one day years service
at court as chamberlain That is part and parcel
Of their obligations and prerogatves as gran
does. and they known for the time being as
the prandee Of the day" A feminine grandee Is
also in attendance for the day lady in waiting,
and il was in this connection that the Marquise
de CASTELAR, (who is relative Of the statesman
OF that nane) received the feminine Order Of
Maria Luisa- as being the "grandesse' OF the day
On the occasion of the birth Of the heir apparent.