The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-03-25
new SPAIN GROWING
UNDER Wise KING
Active, Up to Date Young
Monarch Striving for Lands
Well Being.
VOICE OF THE TUMBLE
Devoted to Wife, Mother, Children
and Poorest of His Subjects
Is Youthful Al
fonso.

Madrid-A complete examination OF
h many details of the daily life of
King Alfonso XIII. of Spain would be
well-nigh impossible. All the world Is
ity, and although a portion of the
Spanish press recently, With some con-
siderable bitterness, censured his
majesty's love OF sport. the monarch
does not by any means neglect the af-
fairs of state. Very progressive, he
earnestly strives to promote the ad-
vancement and well-being of the land
over which he rules.
Don Alfonso is usually dressed at
$50 a. N. and ready to peruse the
morning papers,, go through his mail
and attend to important dispatches. At
about . o'clock the early breakfast is
served. the king always taking this
meal in private with the other mem
bers of the royal family. This invaria-
ly consists Of cafe au lait, soft boiled
eggs. chicken. either cold or grilled.
and fruit.
the day is received, and every Thurs
day there is a cabinet counc presided
over by the king. A great deal of cor
r~espondence has to be attended to, pc
titions of all kind looked INTO and am
severed. The humble petition of the
DOC MAJ receives the same attention
at the hands of Don Alfonso as does
one from his more unfortunate brother.
"Chiidren's Hour Sacred.
Luncheon is served at 1870. II have
been In attendance on the king for the
past two years" a gentleman of the
time l have hardly ever known him to
be able to sit down punctually to the
meal-Ho many and Overwhelming are
his occupations and engagements 1t is
usually near 3 o'clock before the king
is able to take his unch-'
A short interval in the afternoon is
devoted by Don Alfonso to his own
amusement. either playing golf or ten
mis- in the Casa de Campo or taking an
automobile drive OF q ride on horse
back.
Later on comes the "children's
hours the short time in the "a hours
he gives himself to spend in private
with the queen and his two infant sons.
Afterward come audiences, civil and
military, n when possible a visit to
theaters. though more frequently after
dinner. which is served at $50, the
king prefers rest and retirement.
Prince of Asturias.
The little Prince Of Asturias, now
nearly 2 years old, is a fine, sturdy lit
tie fellow, with all his mothers looks,
and he is almost as fair as she.
kopdlli > 6ldoudlly Casting VII old
tradition and advancing each day fur
Their along the path Of modern prog
ress. There is a large field open to for
eign capitalists. Many new railways
are projected and new irrigation works,
notably the important scheme for the
canalization OF the River Manzanano
and the drainage Of the Madrid sub
oil.
A new Spain is in process OF birth
under the wise and enlightened rule OF
H., Ap---~ vTTT Il no ho
IS, has endeared himself to his people.
The king has a very democratic spir-
1t. and affability and charm of manner
are some Of his characteristics. He de-
lights in getting away incognito by
himself or accompanied only by some
friend. and getting in touch with the
people
Talk with Farmers.
When in Seville Last year, walking
one day in the country, he got into con-
versation with an old farmer. His ma
jesty's views, however. did not coincide
with those of the old man. who, not
knowing him, said rather rudely:
"Oh, you swell young gentlemen
from Madrid hin you know every
thing
AT tina moment the royal automobile
came up, and the farmer. realizing to
whom he had spoken, Immediately I'M
covered and sank upon one knee, muir
muring:
Pardon me. sire, for my frankness:
i had no idea whom I was addressing.
! pray your majesty will overlook my
boldness."
Don Alfonso helped the old man to
his feet, saying:
Don't fear; there is no majesty here.
We are only brothers. Keep this little
souvenir Of one with whom you have
been conversing,' giving him a gold
coin and leaving the oid fellow over
Wllelmed.
Tender to Mother.
One of Don Alfonso's most beautiful
traits is his love for and devotion to
his mother, whom he adores: his ten
derest thoughts are ever for her.
When Don Alfonso attended a BAN
Quet given in his honor by the Sport
ing club of Bilbao last August he pro-
posed a toast concluding:
III as a son / am called upon to eulo-
,gtze my august mother, as king I cam
not but concede a tribute OF the high
est admiration to my predecessor on
the throne, who during 16 years pre-
sided Owe the destinies Of Spain and
handed me my heritage on coming Of
age"