(The Glasgow Herald, Friday, November 27, 1885)
Madrid, November 25, Evening – The following particulars have been obtained concerning the last moments of King Alfonso. The King passed the night in a more tranquil condition, but shortly after 4 o’clock this morning his Majesty was suddenly attacked with difficulty breathing. This, however, shortly afterwards passed off, but at half past seven the King had a fresh attack of greater intensity, which rapidly assumed an alarming character. Breathing gradually became more difficult, and the King quietly expired at a quarter to nine. Before the final crisis set in the King expressed a desire to see his children. Orders were accordingly telegraphed to the palace at Madrid, and the two little princesses were taken to El Pardo. The body now lies on the bed on which the King died, surrounded by flowers placed there by the Queen herself. It will be embalmed to-morrow and conveyed on Friday to Madrid to lie in state at the Palace until removed to the vault at the Escorial.
An extraordinary supplement to the Official Gazette was issued this afternoon announcing the death of the King of Spain at El Pardo, at a quarter to nine this morning, and adding that the President of the Council and other Ministers who were present informed Queen Christina who becomes Regent according to the Constitution, that their Ministerial duties had terminated, and that they therefore respectfully tendered their resignation. The Queen requested the Ministers to continue in office until she could attend to public affairs with tranquility of mind.
Madrid, November 26, Evening – At one o’clock this morning some alarm was caused in the Puerta del Sol by the explosion of a petard placed under the window of a cafe in an adjoining street. Several panes of glass were broken, and a portion of the woodwork of one of the windows was destroyed. One of the waiters and two officers who were present in the café were injured by the splinters of wood and glass. Tranquillity was soon restored. Fourteen arrests have been made.
Señor Cánovas del Castillo will proceed to El Pardo to-day to again present the resignation of the Ministry to the Queen Regent. Perfect tranquility prevails throughout the country.
Bayonne, November 26, 2:30 pm – A letter despatched from Madrid at six yesterday evening gives the subjoined details with regard to the illness and death of King Alfonso.
It appears that on Monday afternoon the King, in spite of the cold, damp weather, accompanied the Duke of Montpensier part of the way to Madrid in a closed carriage, and on returning to El Pardo complained of feeling unwell. Shortly afterwards His Majesty experienced a difficulty in breathing, a symptom which alarmed Dr Camison, the physician in attendance, and at eleven o’clock the same night the attack was repeated with such intensity that the worst was feared. The King was unwilling to alarm his family that night, but early yesterday morning, after telegraphing to Señor Cánovas del Castillo and the military commander in Madrid, the Duke of Sexto came to the capital to inform the Royal Family of His Majesty’s condition. The sad intelligence caused great harm in the Palace, and Queen Christina, accompanied by the Infanta Eulalia and the Duke of Montpensier, instantly went to El Pardo, followed soon afterwards by Queen Isabella, the Infanta Isabella, the Duchess of Montpensier, and other ladies. Having embraced his wife, mother, and sisters, the King spoke a few hopeful words.
Meanwhile the news rapidly spread through Madrid, causing intense excitement in all circles. The Ministers of Grace, of Justice, of Public Works, Finance, Marine, and the Colonies immediately left for El Pardo, only Señor Cánovas del Castillo and the Ministers of War and of the Interior remaining in the capital. During the whole day carriages kept constantly arriving at El Pardo conveying many members of the Court, the nobility, and political personages. On the Bourse a great panic set in, Spanish Interiors falling at once from 58 to 52. The streets were meanwhile thronged by an anxious crowd, and on every side fears of a fatal termination were expressed. The city authorities had taken precautions to prevent any disturbance, and troops were under arms in the barracks, but perfect tranquility prevailed. Late in the afternoon the doctors held a consultation at El Prado. The King was able to take some food and slept for some time during the night ; but early this morning a fresh access of laboured breathing alarmed the Royal Family. Another and more severe attack followed, and the King expired at a quarter to nine o’clock very quietly. His Majesty had been dead about half an hour when Señor Cánovas del Castillo arrived and informed the Queen that the conservative party considered that the moment had arrived for them to retire from office.
It is believed that Señor Sagasta will be entrusted with the formation of a new Cabinet. A special supplement of the Official Gazette will be published this evening announcing the death of the King of the nation. The public remained tranquil, but there is excitement in political circles
Berlin, November 26. – Court mourning for three weeks has been ordered on account of the death of King Alfonso.
Rome, November 26. – Intelligence of the death of King Alfonso reached the Vatican at five o’clock yesterday afternoon, and created a profound impression. The Pope immediately sent a telegram of condolence to Queen Christina.
