THE NEW SPANISH REGIME.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1953, 8 April 1875, Page 4

THE NEW SPANISH REGIME.

Prince Alfonso received the news of thef devolution in-hi* favor at Paris where "lirwas staying with Queen Isabella. Ec was interviewed by the correspondent of the Times, who thus describes what passed>:*— i "At 11 p.m. I- repaired to the Hotel Basilewsky, to ascertain .how matters really stood. 1 was introduced into the King's study. On thertable I remarked English, French, iixcL Spanish books — 1 Lord Clive,' by Lord Macaulay; • Tactieada Guerrillas'; an English grammar; • Henry IV. and his Policy ;' a history of Spain, and a sheet of paper covered with the writing. I was told that this had been his employment during the day. Ho studies from 8.30 am. till 8 30 p.m. with an hour and a half for lunch, the rest ot the time being devoted to history and geography, English, German, and correspondence. Saturday he devotesto the chase, and I remarked as to Sunday the note 'Lectures Frivoles.' As I was about to leave, Colonel Velasco informed me that Queen Isabella was retiring to rest, that the young Eing was about to descend, and would willingly receive me if I desired it. Presently he entered the room. He has grown a good deal during the last year, and his features have become more manly. He has a very pleasing smile on his lips, and has a frank countenance. He apologised for keeping me waiting, as he would not leave his mother before she retired to rest. On my asking whether he, would soon set out for Spain, he said lie \» as ready ; bu.t he was told it was necessary to wait for a despatch before fixing his departure. He expected this to-morrow;, and would immediately start. On my remarking that this time he had not stayed long in Paris, he said he regretted having left England, which be liked very much. There were many things to observe and learn in that great country. I remarked that, he had been studying. 'Yes,' he said, 'and I have not finished. I hope I shall still have time to,study.' I asked him whether the news had not excited him. *IS ot beyond measure,' he said, 'because I expected it. I try, moreover, to have sangfroid under such direumstances ; but such an event is always exciting.' I asked whether he thought the Carlists would continue the war. 'I believe at fii.st it will be very hard ; but by degrees people will come to me, and it will come to an end. lam not tie King: of a party. The Ministry is composed of men of all shades.- It is Liberal and Constitutional, as I have been taught to be myself, and as I sincerely am. I know well tkat to be King of rpain at this moment is not a matter of pleasure, but I shall try to understand my duty, and do it.' ' 'Will the Queen, your uother, accompany you?' *Oh no,' he said, with vivacity; 'that has altlready been decided. She remains here.- There was a moment's silence. I felt that he innst be, fatigued, and waited for him to dismiss me. 'J he young King, "who has not yet the habits he will soon Jearn, did not understand my attitude, but after some moments he offered me his hand very cordially. 'If you come to Madrid while I am there it will give me pleasure to see you and to remember France, which I love so much. 1 I hoped he might •"offer Spain a long reign and the peace which it needed so much, and said I should follow his Majesty's career tuth real interest. T thank you very much,' he said. I retired very favorably impressed. The King does not conceal his desire to learn. He has a simple,: affable air, enjoying his royal fortune with a kind of modesty which marks a real maturity of mind. Ido not know what the Spaniards reserve for him, but I am sure he carries to Spain a sincere love of his country, and a warm desire to put an end to Us evils."