THE GOLDEN FLEECE.

New Zealand Mail, 3 September 1902, Page 14

THE GOLDEN FLEECE.

The ceremony or presenting the Insignia of the Golden Fleece to the President of the French Republic took place on the 21st inst., at the Elysee, Paris. The members of the Spanish Mission, who were brought in carriages, escorted by cuirassiers to the Palace, were received at the entrance by the of M. Lonbet’s military household. 1% hen conducted into the grand reception hall, they found the President of the Republic surrounded by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour. The Spanish Ambassador was also present. The Duke de Sesto, Chief of the Mission, wearing on his brilliant uniform the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour, as well as the Insicpia of the Golden. Fleece, saluted tlie Chief Magistrate of the Republic, and rhen called on the Marquis of Villaloba, Recorder of the Order, to read the document conferring the Golden Fleece Loubet. After this formality, and the handing of an autograph letter addressed by Queen Maria Christina of Spain to the President of the Republic, the Duke de Sesto planed the Insignia of the Order round M. Loubet’s neck, pronouncing the usual formula which is as follows: “Don Alfonso XIII.. King of Spain. Chief and Grand Master of the Order, wishing to give your Excellency a pledge of the high esteem in which he holds your Excellency, and flattering himself that you will contribute to the brilliancy and elevation of that Order, makes you Knight Companion of it. Do you accept it, and do you promise what Hi® Majesty expects of his Excellency ?” M. Loubet Teplied that he accepted and promised, adding that he appreciated the honour done him by King Alfonso and Queen Maria Christina. The minutes of the ceremony were s ; gned not only by M. Loubet and the Duke de Sesto, but by all the personages present. Tlie members of the Spanish Mission, to whom military honours had been paid on their arrival, then withdrew.