Arizona republican., 1907-05-19
THE BAPTISM
OF ALFONSO
A Splendid and Medieval
Christening Ceremony
The Young Prince of As
turias Loaded to the
Guards With Names.

Madrid. May 1S.-Alfonso. prince of
Asturias was baptized at noon today
in the private chapel Of the royal pal
ace in the presence of the royal fam
lily, state court officials, representa-
tives of foreign powers and host of
grandees. The pope was represented
by Cardinal Rinaldini, King Edward
by Prince Arthur of Connaught. EN-
peror William by Prince Leopold of
Hohenzollern, Emperor Fvancz Joseph
by Archduke Eugene Of Austria, and
King Charles Of Portugal by the Duke
of Oporto. The officials began gather
ing before noon and at that hour the
reception halls were filled while out
side were large enthusiastic crowds.
The greatest watchfulness has been
observed over the baby prince since
the hour of his birth. and special
guards have been stationed outside
the ber chamber for the Spanish GUS
tom does not permit any possibility of
change being foisted on the nation.
The task of the watchers was not over
till this morning when the infant be-
came the central figure in a brilliant
scene. In the chapel seats were allot-
! ted according to precedence TO the
personages invited. In the center was
hassock on which had been arranged
the famous baptismal font of Santo
Domingo de Guzman brought for the
event from the monastery Santo Do
mingo.
Before a high altar two benches
were covered with gold embroidered
| tapestries for the sponsors whilst an
other was placed behind a lecturne
for the officiating cardinal In the
queens ante-chamber exposed on Sc
ven golden salvers were ewers of holy
water. and other appurtenances of the
sacred rite. In the ante-chamber
when the guests assembled the king
accompanied by members of the royal
family and the representative of the
pope. the sponsors with the royal child
entered the apartment.
/ Then with slow steps the brilliantly
arrayed company began the march
along the galleries. The way TO the
chapel was led by two mace bearers
followed by gentlemen chamberlains.
After them came two more mace bear
ers.-two kings at arms grandees OF
| Spain. two more kings at arms. seven
more gentlemen of the chamber. bear
| ing golden salvers With holy water
and other necessaries for the rite.
Immediately after followed the royal
/ babe in the nurses arms accompanied
| by the mistress of the robes escorted
on the right by Cardinal Rinaldini and
on the other the godfather. is Royal
Highness Don Carlos de Bourbon, and
on the left by the godmother, Queen
Maria Christiana ana his majesty.
Alfonso XIII. Then came the lord
( high chamberlain and other lords,
chamberlain and various functionaries.
members of the royal family and the
queens ladies in waiting. Next came
representatives of foreign powers.
most of the ambassadors and ministers
1 to the court of Spain, including Amer
lean Minister Collier. with their wives
/ accompanied by the introducer of the
ambassadors. followed by the cabinet.
all with their wives. The great func-
| tionaries came next the principal per-
sonages noted being Marquis Del
Campo. president of the supreme Of
| judiciare Bon Mariar~, Catalina CobO.
president of the Commercial Tribune,
/ Lieutenant General Don Camilloo Po-
| laejiav. president of the supreme coun-
ell of the army and navy. the queens
! physicians. the mayor of Madrid with
deputation OF municipal councillors.
two canons of the Madrid diocese and