New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-25
Alfonso to Undergo An
other Operation, Prob
ably at Bordeaux.
PERSONAL POPULARITY
INCREASES EVERY DAY
Tells Newspaper Men Their Pro-
auctions Are Improving in
Accuracy and Good Taste.
icy Gable to Th, Tribune.l

Madrid. Jan. a hlIS AilbiNt u NJ
ways doing something original II
really seems. despite the fact that there
are a considerable number Of Republi-
cans in Spain. that IL would he difficult
to inspire revolution against the
young monarch. so popular, democratic
and accessible is he. The latest thing
which has brought him into the news
is his charming and informal chat with
a party of newspaper men on the SUD-
iect of garden suburbs for housing the
working classes which the newspaper
colony is building at Carabanchel
The King. in answer TO request
from the newspaper men, appeared to
Law the foundation stone of three new
buildings The first thing he did was
Characteristic Instead Of seating him
self on the only chair. which was placed
for him At the stone laying, he showed
back the chair. lighted a cigarette and
began talking in most interesting fash
ion 10 everybody present, his eager eyes
taking in everything.
He glanced at the stone, which bore
his signature in facsimile, and asked
How did you get that The news
paper men explained that they had mad
it photographed from a decree signed
bv the King. Alfonso seemed delight
ed with this little matter Of enterprise
An Informal Conversation.
When the ceremony was over the
King held a sort Of informal discourse
with the newspaper men, who naturally
asked all sorts Of questions. The tain
finally led TO the forthcoming practice
Of the English polo team here.
Fifteen English players are coming
said the King, "and hope to get out
and have a good deal Of practice my
self"
Alfonso in conversation displayed a
really remarka BILE knowledge of socio-
logical conditions and the needs Of the
aboring class. He surprised the news
paper men by announcing that he in
tended to build cheap houses for the
people on his estates-nay, he had al
ready begun building. They are be-
tween Queens Bridge and Quinta
road" he said. and I shall build
others at Cuatro Caminos a poor
suburb of MadridI for working
men. In order to build these
however, shall have to mortgage
those built in Seville, for I have M
state subvention. Those on the estate
will cost 100000. How much l shall
spend AT Cuatro Caminos l don't know
but ! shall keep building and mortgag-
ing each lot as it is completed in order
TO carry out further plans. I hope this
extensive pawning will not lead 10 my
being sent TO Jail, for if it did my posi-
ton would he very awkward.
couldn't very well pardon myself. but
would have to hope that the tribuna
condemning me would also bring about
my release"
Sire" interrupted journalist, I'VE
would secure your release. for we ar,
the representatives of public opinion.
His Views on Newspapers.
I This started Alfonso on another tack
and the versatile monarch began 4
talk about the duties and importance
Of the press In the course of his dis
! sertation he said he had noticed ;
great Improvement in Spanish news
papers both in point Of accuracy ant
good taste. He delighted the news
paper men with the affability, goo'
sense and understanding with which
he discussed the various questions.
When he drove away in snortinl
motor he left genial feeling Of cordi
atty behind.
II is feared that King Alfonso viii
soon be obliged to have another opera
ton performed. on account Of the re
currence Of his old affection Of the ca
! which formerly caused him so mucl
trouble. The operation has been de
laved as long as possible, as it vii
probably cause the loss of hearing II
one car, but all other means Of treat
ment have failed and it is believed nov
| that an operation cannot be mucl
longer delayed. II will probably be per
formed at Bordeaux, where the King !
going soon to consult an English spe
cialist and afterward travel in IN
South Of France to recuperate IL
may 20 TO London to see some special
lists there before the operation