Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-05-01
A Daughter Is Born to
Queen wi|he|mina.
Fact When Announced Signal
For General Rejoicing.
Great Anxiety Of Dutch People Is
Now Removed,

The Hague, April Wilhelmina,
Queen of The Netherlands, gave birth
to a daughter this morning. The condi-
ton of Her Majesty is most satisfac-
tory, the infant princess is doing well
ana Holland is celebrating the happy
event from one end of the country to
the other, with expressions of joy and
qualification, such as seldom before
have been witnessed on the part Of this
placid people.
The political significance of the oc-
currence lies in the fact that there is
now an heir to the throne of The Meth
erlands, a circumstance that very
greatly enhances the chances of the
country for continued independence.
Every town and village in Hollond is
today celebrating the long awaited
birth of a child to Her Majesty with
demonstrations of satisfaction The
Queen was married to Prince Henry Of
acknowledgements, Feb. Z, 1901 On
two previous occasions the hopes of
the people for an heir to the throne
have been disappointed, a fact that
makes rejoicings of today more heart
felt.
Here in the capital, in spite of the
heavy downpour of rain, the streets
are gaily decorated and great crowds
are manifesting their qualification. The
people await eagerly the special news
sheets that have been issued free by
the newspapers announcing the happy
event.
The accouchment took place at 7
O'clock. Owing to the early hour the
re- LOT Into
the first persons outside the royal pal
ace to hear the news was q party Of
workmen passing the residence of the
Queen on their way to work. The men
at first refused to believe the an
nouncement but they were soon con-
WINGED, and the cheers they raised
were the signal for the general rejoic-
ings. Flags and bunting that had been
held in readiness We're unfurled and
the city took on holiday attire
Prince Henry at once telegraphed
the news to his mother, adding that the
condition of the Queen was most sat
isfactcry.
Heralds. accompanied by trurnpeters
clad in ancient Dutch dress made the
rounds of the city, hating at the prin-
cipal squares and other suitable spots
to make, after due fanfares, the fol-
lowing proclamation:
"FellOw citizens With great Joy we
announce the news that Her Majesty,
by the grace of God, has been deliver
ed of a princess.
"The entire population of The Hague
shares the feelings of deep Joy of the
Dutch people and is thankful for the
hpctnun1 ha
house and upon the country May the
happy event strengthen the bonds unit
ing The Netherlands and the house of
Orange. Long live the Queen, long live
the Princess of Orangen'
At the palace everything is quiet ex-
cepting at the entrance hail. which is
crowded with people eager to sign the
rcll of congratulations. The Belgian
minister to The Netherlands, who is
the dean of the diplomatic corps, was
the first to sign the list. He was fol-
lowed by the other diplomatic repre-
scntatives
At II A. M an official bulletin was
issued, saying that the Queens condi-
ton under the circumstances was very
satisfactory and that the newly born
princess was doing well.
The birth of a direct successor to the
throne of The Netherlands has lifted
a great political anxiety from the
shoulders of the Dutch people. So Sc
riously did many Hollanders view the
disturbing factors liable to arise had
Her Majesty, the Queen, died without
Issue, that serious discussion had been
given the proposal whether it would
ont be better to proclaim Holland q
republic, as in past centuries, rather
than risk the chance of passing under
the sway of an alien prince with all the
possibilities of foreign interference that
such step would entail.