New-York tribune., 1909-04-11

1I.LHOLLAND EXPECTANT
An Heir to Throne A"r'o"S'g
4zcaited-Humble Gifts.
,en.o,s, bv French Cable to The Tribune.l

1taf hy
.-u 10-Eastertide hopes are most
.or+ :, natriotic Holland, where the "hoie
,a+ior ts awaiting the coming of an heT "
the throne It is family affair in WnlCn every
bodv in city province Is intimately 4'e
eeted The bumblest fishermen and peasants
have carved toys or painted WlndmiHS loi ti'o
eyDected heir to the House of Orange cltieS anu
cornorations have entered into rivalry for the
largest subscription lists, and the nursery is al
ready a storehouse of cradles. baby clothes en-
broideries, toilet sets and toys, presented with
out reference to court etiquette and solely oe-
cause the Queens subjects love her Thou
sands OF good Catholics praying in the
churches for the safe deIiverance of this remote
heir of the historic champion of Professionalism
who fought the long battle with Spain.
Everybody in the Netherlands Is awaiting
anxiously the booming of guns and flourish
of trumpets which will proclaim the fulfment
of the nations hopes, and when the signal is re-
ceived the streets of The Hague and Amsterdam
will be crowded with jubilant throngs waving
flags and dancing for joy. There is ample rea-
for the anticpations of the Dutch people,
expressed with charming simplicity and naTvete.
of an Easter gift. Without the birth of this
child the succession to the Dutch throne has
led toward Berlin direct An heir of the House
of Orange will appeal to the spirit Of nation
the prejudice against foreign intrigues and an
neXation schemes Holland. with the succession
no longer dependent upon German heirs. will be
left 20 work out her own destiny with the old
time traditions of neutral trade and abstention
from activity in foreign affairs INF
IBy The Associated Pressl
The Hague. April 10-The birth Of an heir 10 the
throne OF Holland is confidently expected in the
coming week. and if all goes well the outburst of
popular enthusiasm will be such as has seldom
been witnessed among the placid Dutch. There
has been royal birth in the Netherlands since
that of Queen Wilhelnna herself twenty-seven
years ago, Thrice before, since the marriage of
Little Wilhemina." the Hollanders affection
ately call the Queen. have the hopes of the
try been raised. only to be cast down. The con
stant fear Of the Dutch has been that the House
OF Orange would die out with chiIdless sovereign
and that Holland would become German vassaI
state.
Demonstrations gigantic scale have been
arranged. and professions. concerts and festivals
viii be held all the country. The school chill
dren have a weeks holiday, and amnesty Will be
proclaimed for certain classes of prisoners Guns
are in position on the parade ground here for the
salute the announcement of the birth. One
hundred and rounds will be fired for the birth
Of a prince and hfty-One for princess Herads,
accompanied by trumpeters in costumes of the six
teanth century. Will proclaim the advent in all
quarters of the city
The health Of the Queen has been exeel!ent Dr.
Kouwer eminent gynecoogist in addition 10
the Queens regular physicians, is in constant at
Tendance. The Queen apartments at the back
of the palace, overlooking quiet Old World gar
den. A suite Of SIX rooms has been prepared for
the infant by the Queen herself, and in these have
been installed ancient cradles of the House
Of Nassau. Of wonderful workmanship. All, how
ever have been discarded in favor of hOmely
wooden Dutch cradle, which will be used ordi-
nariIv while on occasions the baby Will oc-
cupv a beautiful cradle of Louis Seize style, made
at ,he Hague School Of Lacework, where two
score women instructors and pupils worked many
months in producing the lace for ii. Two rooms
are filed with presents which have been sent for
the royal baby from every city and hamlet in
| the Netherlands