The New York herald., 1921-10-02
KINGS shirt THEFT
FIGURES in FOUNDING
OF MOROCCO LEGION
Alfonso Arrays Persistent
Hero in His Own Attire
and Gems for Ball.
ONE GARMENT MISSING
Unique Episode in Successful
Efforts to Overcome Hateful
'Manana' Habit.
ONE GARMENT MISSING

Special Cable to THE New YORK HmALn
Copyright, 1891, by THE New York HERAlp
MADRID, Oct. 1.-Only in Spain could
this happen in this year of grace
1921. Here is the story: 's
The man who was really responsible
for the reorganization of Spain's For
eign Legion, into which poured from
New York, Havana, London and Paris
all the adventurous ones whom the
world war left unsatisfied with red
fighting, was Lieut.. Col. MILAN Astray.
a scion Of an ancient house which has
given to Spain many eminent soldiers.
writer's and statesmen.
Having studied the organization and
work Of the famous French Foreign
Legion in Algiers, this young soldier
recommended a similar formation for
Spain in Morocco. His suggestion was
cordially received in Spanish Govern
ment circles, but official Spain's prin-
ciple and habit is procrastination, de-
iay-"manana."
Would Put Plan Up to King.
Col. Astray got no action and de-
cided to take matters into his own
hands. I. He got leave of absence from
his commander in the garrison at Cueta
and hurried to Madrid, determined to
lay his scheme before King Alfonso
XIII. He arrived In the Spanish capita
nvlt IN loav <Irk \ n -
San Sebastian. He at once took a train
for Spains fashionable northern seaside
resort, but no sooner had he arrived in
San Sebastian than he learned that the
King had gone to Biarritz, an equally
fashionable French watering place
made popular by the Empress Eugene
Col. Astray immediately jumped aboard
motor boat and crossed the bay
Finally he succeeded in getting word to
the King. who received him kindly and
assured him he would see his project
was carried out without further delay.
Col. Astray. much satisfied. sought TO
leave his sovereign then. but Alfonso
said, "Manana."
There is grand fete at the Hotel du
Palais this evening" Alfonso told him.
'and want to introduce you to severaI
distinguished friends there"
Much embarrassed. Col Astray Then
was forced to explain that fe h41
,hastened across Spain withous iugrrfs
and hence had no clothes sntabss r5
wear at such an aristocratio -atherinr
Il will arrange that" said he Rire
laughing. you and I are about the
same size. Go to my room and take
what you please"
Clad by the Kings Valet.
Before such command Col. Astray
went to the Kings suite and consulted
with Alfonsos valet. who dressed him in
full evening dress, with pearls and
diamond studs and cuff buttons. On his
coat was pinned the insignia OF four
military orders OF CASTLE
Col Astray was very proud He was
the object of much admiration that eve-
ming. and Alfonso could not help smiling
at seeing the satisfaction which the In
cident caused his soldier from Morocco.
The fetc over, Col Astray returned TO
the Kings suite and gave all hts bor-
rowed clothes back to the Kings VALET
all save the Kings shirt that he wore.
Tell his Majesty have stolen 1t from
him." he told the valet
Not long afterward Col. Astrav was
again In Madrid and walking In The
park Bueno Retro. He heard a shout
behind him. and turning saw the King
pursuing him and crying. In comic In
dignation:
Thief. give me back my shirt :"
II win return II to your Majesty
when IL carries a decoration OF my
blood" Col. Astray replied.
Now, when the Spaniards took Nador
from the Moors recently Col. Astray.
wearing the Kings shirt. received o bull
let wound In hfs chest. The wound was
not fatal. When he reached a base hos
pital his first thought was to prevent
the surgeons cutting a hole In his shirt
or its loss His next thought was to
send II. with the little hole made by
Moor's bullet In the bosom OF Il and the
dark red splotch, to Madrid. This he
did.
King Alfonso has signed a decree ap-
Col. MILAN Astray a gentle
man In waiting at the palace