The Washington herald., 1909-05-04
WASHINGTON CHAT.
BY THE SPECTATOR

Queen DOWager is not only the mother,
but the dearest and most intimate friend
that the Queen OF Holland has IN the
world, and she depends upon her in de-
ciding all important questions in both
state and family matters. Queen Emma,
indeed. has almost as much 10 say IN
the government OF the Pays-Bays as she
did when she was Queen Regent and 10
her VIII probably be left the education OF
her little granddaughter, for she had
wonderful success IN bringing up her own
child, who is one OF the best disoipliBes
OF the royal women Of Europe.
II was a question with Queen Emma OF
sDering the rod and spelling the child"
Not that she actually used the rod. but
sac was rigorous disciplinarian and her
daughter was much more strictly brought
up than are children born to less exalted
stations She was particularly careful
that the ehild-Queen should not grow into
snob. and every tendency IN that direc-
ton was promptly suppressed.
In honor OF her daughters birth ouaa,
Wilhelmina has bestowed a number of
orders Mr.. ROysards, counselor Of the
Netherlands Legation at this Capital has
been decorated with the honor. Of ORANGE
Nassau, which was created by Queen En-
ma IN 1892. 1t Is divided inc three
classes. and has three medals OF honor.
lhe Oldest order IN The Netherlands IS
the Military order OF William. which u-as
created by King William in IS1s. who At
the same time founded the order OF
Civil Merit OF the Netherlands Lon
William I. Il viii be remembered was
the son OF William Y. the last stsd-
hoider- he commanded the Dutch troops
against France when the NetherIs nds
was conquered By that country and the
house OF Orange expelled AT the same
time his hereditary principally OF Mas
Sau. IN Germany, was cOnfscafed by
Napoleon. but this holding he recovered
in ISi3
The kingdom OF the Netherlands. which
Included Belgium. was created ly the
congress OF Vienna IN the same wear and
William named as King. but Belgium
seeded IN 1880. and ten years later Will
IAN / abdicated in favor OF his son. Will
lam II, the grandfather OF the present
Queen and the originator OF the exten-
sive reforms in the kingdom over which
he ruled Queen Wlhelmlna's father.
William III. was also q reformer. and
purged his kingdom OF many abuses. His
chief claim 70 fame was the abolition OF
slavery IN the West Indies in 1852
Speaking CT royalties. to-day is the
birthday Of two daughters OF the reign
ing houses OF Europe-Princess Helene.
eldest daughter and third child of he
Prince Royal OF Greece. COnstanti1. and
Of sophia Princess OF Prussia. the sister
Of Emperor William Of Germany. The
Ettle princess IS just entering her teens
and IS one OF the loveliest and daintiest
OF the royal children Of Europe. Il she
can be called a child. for maturity comes
early 70 women brought Up IN the south.
and Princess Helene has already been
spoken Of as a possible bride for some
OF the eligible princes TIE only other
daughter OF Prince Constantin IS Princess
Irene. who is only FIVE
Princess Helene's cousin. the Princess
Victoria of Great Britain. daughter OF
Prince and Princess Christian celebrates
her thfrty-ninth birthday to-day. and IS
still heartwhOle and fancy free. g con
irned spinster. but a talented and gra-
cious woman withaL Her only sister
Princess Louise. was the wife of Prince
Anhalt, from whom she was divorced IN
1901 with the privilege OF resuninz her
maiden name and title. Princess Louise is
pleasantly remembered IN Washington.
where she visited when Lord Pauucefote
was ambassador. and was the recipient
Of much social attention. Her presence,
In fact, made quite g stir IN this republi-
car Capital Princess Louise is not only
a beautiful, but q clever and witty woman,
and Is constantly busy with her pen L
Is said the notes that she made on her
American trip are extremely dive-tiRg.
Gen Fred Grant. who Is visiting Wash
ington at this moment, recalls his distin-
gUiShed father so forCibIy. both in appear
ance and manner. that one feels almost
that he has turned back the pages Of
history and Is actually IN the presence OF
the great commander. Il Is not alto
gether a chance resemblance. either. for
Gen Grant is such an ardent admirsr uf
hts distinguished father that he tries in
every way to increase the resembisnce.
This is especially notable in his manner
Of speech. which is slow. deliberate, and
sententiOus. ike that OF the Silent Man -
Gen Grant IS at present commander OF
quarters & Chicago. anc L was when
serving there that he met MS young wife
who was Miss Honore, a sister Of Mrs
Potter Palmer Their wedding took place
Ia Gen. Grants administration, and Lieut..
and Mrs. Grant passed the first winter
after their HnarTiess al the Capital.
Il IS not too high praise 20 say TIA,
Mrs. Grant was one Of the most beautiful
women in society az that time She had
marvellous eyes, a complexion inclined 70
the olive. clear and smooth. with a wealth
Of black hair. which she wore pushed
back from her classic forehead With
these wonderful features were united q
vivacious expression and much charm
4 brilliant and beautiful woman truly
was Mrs. Grant at the time OF her bride
hood, and every head was turned 10 look
q: her when she appeared n public.
Roland Post Falkner, who succeeded ".
Morgan ShUster as a member OF the
Liberian commission sent out By the
President 10 investigate the affairs o.
that republic, and due 10 arrive at Mon
rovia in a few days, Will be the
right man IN the right place. for he IS a
born investigator. and is as keen fn scent
iHg out wrong conditions 6 as hound in
the chase. Mr.. FaikHer's father was q
clergyman. the Rev. John B. Falkner
and he was educated at the public schools
and the University OF Pennsylvania, which
I was supplemented with courses at Leip-
zig and Halle
Since he received his degree OF Ph. D
at the latter university he has been en-
/ pIoyed fl various special work by the
/ government Among his billets are IN
/ cluded those Of statistIcisn for the Com
mittee OF Finance, delegate 20 the inter
I national monetary conference. chief Of
I the division Of documents Of the Library
! OF Congress. commissioner Of education
/ Of Porto Rico. and, latterly. superintend-
eRt Of agents in the fed in charge O.
I