The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1887-09-17 00:00:00

THE BULGARIAN CRISIS.

LETTER FROM PRINCE FERDINAND.

The Paris Figaro on Monday printed the following
letter, which it asserted to have been written by the
Prince of Bulgaria to a friend in Paris:

"My dear E--,—l am installed at last in the
palace at Sofia, and I mist say that since my depar-
ture from Ebenthal the journey during the excep-
tional heat of the year has been very trying for our
health; but, on the other hand, I have gathered in it
some great and happy recollections, which compensate
me for the fatigues endured, and which I will cherish
for the rest of my life. Although the Bulgarian De-
puties and Ministers had assured me beforehand of
the sentiments I should meet with among the people
on my arrival, the brilliant receptions everywhere ex-
tended to me and the genuine enthusiasm of the crowd
were beyond my expectation. I discovered with plea-
sure that the army and population vied with each other
as to which should evince most gratitude towards me
for the confidence I had placed in them, and for the reso-
ution I had taken to respond to tho appeal of the great
National Assembly. From everything I see, I may
conclude, without fear of a mistake, I believe, that
the attachment of the people for my person will but
increase with time. The last struggles and mis-
fortunes have matured the Bulgarian nation, and
when they come to know me, when they see me
labouring for their grandeur and prosperity, I have
no doubt that their present affection will then tarn
into genuine love for their Sovereign. But the sky is
not without a cloud. If everything at home is re-
assuring the situation abroad is less so. Three of the
great Powers are waging against me a war as cruel as
it is unjust, and look upon a Prince who is sacri-
ficing himself to save a people, and ensure its happi-
ness, as a brand of discord. You must admit with
me, my dear E , that certain diplomatists push
Pharisaism rather too far. I had been under the im-
pression up to the present that in these times of free-
Mom of the Press and of all liberties it would be im-
possible to disguise the truth to such a degree. I am
compelled, however, to acknowledge my mistake.
According to some, I openly violate the Berlin Treaty.
These hope that without me Bulgaria will drift to
anarchy and call upon them to save her—a vain and
illusory hope, as I have been able to find out. Others
denounce me as a danger of war, and thereby find
means of cementing certain alliances to their advan-
tage. The Bulgarian back is broad. Ido not blame
these diplomaties for pushing zeal so far, looking to
to the interest—or, at least, what they conceive to be
the interest—of their countries; but you must
acknowledge that it is neither honest nor generous on
their part. You know me well, my dear E—; you
know that I love good and brave people, and such are
the Bulgarians. You know that I am capable of
sacrificing myself to a good cause if necessary, and
such is the cause of Bulgaria. Lastly, you are aware
that I have faith in Divine protection. I, there-
fore, have a quiet conscience, and the firm
hope of rescuing my beloved new country
from the crisis. Thus I undertake my work with
serene composure of soul. After revolutions and war
Bulgaria needs above all calmness, tranquillity, and
peace. Why should I not be the Sovereign to secure
her these blessings? Indeed, Ido not understand the
interest the Powers can have in trammelling the action
I should be f 0 happy to exercise in that country.
Bulgaria, wisely governed, applying herself solely to
her internal reorganisation, to the development of her
natural resources, means peace in the East, and,
allow me to say, the only and unique remedy for the
ceaseless agitations which threaten the peace of Europe
in that quarter. Such is the light in which I view the
future for the good people who have chosen me. May
the Lord bless this programme, and sustain me in the
difficalt task I have devoted myself to. I will bring
to it all my care, all my activity, all my devotion.
Whatever the future may have in store, I shall have
done my duty and have adopted the old motto, Fais
CC git e dolt ad insane qua pourral—Yours affee-
tionately, FERDINAND."

THE BULGARIANS AND THE PRINCE.-