EUROPE TO-DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 5

EUROPE TO-DAY

A BUNCH OF FLOWERS. While in Madrid let us recall an incident which even recent tragic events have not blotted out. It is may, 1906. There is a vast concourse of people, much cheering, and a great show of flags and bunting and decorations of all kinds. King Alfonso, twenty years old, has made Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg his Queen, and after the wedding ceremony the procession moves majestically along the principal streets of the festive city. The young King and the girl Queen are in a flower-covered carriage. There is a wave of cheering running ahead of them, sunshine everywhere. At a window leans a sick man near to death. In his hand is a large bouquet which he holds tightly. The cheering increases. The Royal procession approaches. The carriage

with its two young people is below the window. The sick man throws his bouquet, but his aim is a little unsteady. The cheers become terrified screams, for the bunch of flowers hides a bomb which falls between the horses and explodes with a deafening roar. Two of the horses are killed, and five men blown to bits. The girl Queen closes her eyes, and it seems as if she, too, has been struck. The young King leans over her and kisses her. “Are you hurt?” he cries. She assures him she is not. But she is trembling. Amid the consternation all around is an agony of fear that the Queen is wounded. Then, in silence she is seen tto stand erect, her hand in her husband’s. “My dear,” she whispers, “I will show you that I know how to be a Queen.” Calmly she descends from the carriage, and her gown sweeps through a pool of blood. She walks with stately step to a carriage behind, and taking her place by her Royal husband, continues to drive, a smile for the cheering crowds.—(G.)