The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-01-16
(By La Voyaqeuse.)

Paris. Jan. 15.-With the passing of
Leopold II. King of Belgium, disap-
pears another we'll known figure. but
in a different way-Cleo de Merode.
once queen OF the green room and a
well known figure of the footlights
Although this woman on whom Leo
pOld showered immense sums and jew
elry. is still alive, yet with the death
of the Belgian king interest in her has
also died out. for gay Paris has more
interesting and absorbing subjects to
think of than a woman who gained
an old kings fancy. and held it, too
for longer time than had been ex-
pected, notwithstanding the fact that
Baroness Vaughan, his mOganatic wife
constantly endeavored to sever his
regard for the attractive actress.
Probably the wealthiest monarch in
Europe, he was noted for his generos-
ity or extravaganza in other directions
than where women were concerned
In his many trips from Brussels to
Paris. whether coming here for bus
mess or pleasure, he almost invaria-
bly, rode in a first-class compartment
Of the train, such as are used by thous-
ands of other passengers daily while
on his arrival a plain. every day cab
he considered to be quite good enough
for his needs. Hiss tall figure and
patriarchial, long flowing white
beard was the cause of many comments
more or less personal, and often caus-
tic. but which he took in good part
incidentally, it may be said that
Baroness Vaughan was in Rome only
a day or two ago seeking the advice
of the Pope as to the possibility of
her second sons succession to the
throne-there is no crown in Belgium
His Holiness having recognized the
validity Of her marriage to Leopold.
Whatever his advice may have been.
it is certain that her sons will never
be given an opportunity to reign in
Belgium. A revolution would arise
if any such serious attempts were
made.
At the present time, with Germany
having her eye constantly fixed on
or Of swallowing that kingdom some
day, the succession of the throne in
Belgium is a very serious matter: es-
pecially in view of the fact that a
consolidation, or at least a close ALI
ance between Holland and Belgium is
being again discussed.
When Maud Allan. the dancer.
made her first appearance, here at
the varieties theater in tn spring OF
1906, in what has since become a
world renowned dance. that of 'Sa-
lome," and which, by the way. was
long before she appeared in London.
the same criticism was directed
against her as has just been made in
Russia. Miss Mod-Allan." as the
Russian critics called her. ''astonished
everyone only by the uniform monoto-
ny of her dancing, while his gestures
were lacking in variety" They write:
"The whole performance resolves it.
self into that of a young. we'll develop
ed girl, certainly not destitute Of
grace or refinement, giving way to the
inspiration of the music, which, it
must be admitted. she does not spoil"
Another critic declares that she
dances with her hands, not with her
feet" and adds that she is only at
the threshold Of her art
These harsh words will not meet
with the approval Of thousands of wo-
men in the United States. who are
strong admirers of the young Ameri-
can dancer. who only short time ago
appeared on the stage in New York.
New careers are constantly opening