Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 November 1898 — WILHELMINA AND HER PEOPLE. [ARTICLE]

WILHELMINA AND HER PEOPLE.

The Dutch People Tr.eat Their Queen in a Democratic Way. In the St Nicholas there Is an article on “A Girl Queen,” written by Jeannette May Fisher. The author says: Almost any day the little Queen and her mother may be seen driving in the pretty streets of The Hague. Their carriage is noticeable only sor 1 the royal liveries, which are rather conspicuous. The Dutch people are fond and proud of their two queens, but do not show them that exaggerated deference that a less democratic nation might. They are treated much as we treat the President of the United States. I remember tyeing in the beautiful Dutch capital one summer when Queen Wilhelmina returned from a visit to Germany. The newspapers commented gladly upon the expected arrival, and a goodly crowd hung about the palace. Finally the royal party came,, accompanied by a considerable suite. The little Queen was simply but becomingly dressed. She bowed and smiled with winsome grace to her devoted subjects, but hurried into the palace, thereby causing some disappointment. Either Queen Emma spoke to her on the subject, or else Wilhelmina herself repented of her shyness, for a few minutes later her pretty face appeared at a window, and she waved a most cordial greeting to tlie people below. Another time we saw her riding along the beach at Scheveningen, a famous wateringplace three miles from The Hague. The young Queen wore a plain habit of bottle-green cloith, surmounted by a coquettish little hat. She was accompanied by her governess, the lord chamberlain, and an equerry. They made an imposing group as they galloped swiftly over the smooth, hard sand of the North Sea shore. It was the height of the Scheveningen season, and hundreds of people were loitering on the perfect beach. A murmur of “The Queen is coming!” arose, and Instantly every one was on the alert to catch a glimpse of her. The royal party came tearing along at breakneck speed, the girlish Queen easily in the lead. But as they approached, Wilhelmina goodnaturedly drew rein, and graciously returned some of the'many salutations offered her; but, being of a retiring nature, she seemed not really to enjoy such public demonstrations.