June 1, 1906
The newly married King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia "sought to reassure the public by appearing today in an open automobile," reports the New York Times.
The king and queen were not unattended by a military guard. A day after their wedding, when a bomb was thrown at their carriage, the king and queen, unhurt, want to make a public showing that they are not afraid, at least not in public.
Wedding celebrations are "officially proceeding," but are said to be filled with "sinister forebodings.
Tonight, the king and queen, other members of the Spanish royal family, and guests are at the place watching the illuminations, taking place from "the Segovia Bridge to the Atocha Walk. They are witnessing a "play of rockets and Roman candles," but all the light cannot dismiss a "reminder of the terrible events" yesterday.
In view of those who were killed or injured, the King has stated that he wants to postpone a royal ball scheduled for tomorrow night, but his ministers are advising that post-wedding programs be carried out.
A bullfight is also scheduled for tomorrow.
An Englishman, Robert Hamilton, about 50 years old, has been arrested in Madrid, and is believed to be a companion of Manuel Morales, who is alleged to be the chief conspirator. A member of the Civil Guard has recognized Hamilton, who was said to be on the balcony with Morales from where "the bomb was thrown at the royal carriage." The two men were also seen together in Barcelona.
Morales first tried to rent a room on the Calle Arsenal on the wedding route, but when he was unable to obtain a front balcony, he gave up his room, and went to the Calle Mayor, offering a lot of money a balcony. All the balconies were occupied, but one man, a Catalonian artist "was induced by the offer of a large sum of money to give up his apartment."
This apartment with a front balcony provided a prime viewing spot for the wedding procession. It was from this balcony that the bomb, hidden in a bouquet of roses, was tossed at the carriage carrying the newly married King and Queen of Spain.
At the scene, after the King and Queen were rescued from their carriage, Alfonso was heard to say : "It was nothing." He tried to smile, as he "supported" his wife as she got out of coach. She was "deeply moved, almost hysterical," as she covered her face with her hand, trying to block out the "frightful scene."
Alfonso was able provide some comfort and the new Queen "recovered her self-possession."
As she got out of the carriage, the Queen's veil "touched the bloody pools on the pavement," and the royal coach suffered severe damage. The lamps were "shattered," and a decoration worn by the King "was shattered by a splinter of the bomb."
The Government has received letters asserting that there will be other attempts by the anarchists.
At least 20 persons have been killed, and 60 more have been injured.
No comments:
Post a Comment