Evening star., 1896-11-28

who are aware of the prominent part taken
by Sir John Templeton in thwarting one
of the boldest strokes of modern Russian
diplomacy in eastern Europe, and thereby
averting one of the most serious political
complications that have threatened Europe
within the lifetime Of the present genera
ton.
There was, moreover, q mystery attach
ing to this singular event which enhanced
the general excitement 1t caused ana
which, until this day, has never been pub.
licly cleared up.
The King of Bahama, as we'll as his
brother and heir-presumptive. had always
been noted for his strong anti-Russian pol
Icy. Indeed, to forestall the possibility Of
actual coercive measures on Russia's part
his majesty himself had opened up neso-
tiations with the other great powers. the
aim of which was the conclusion OF con-
vention that would once for all preclude
Balkania from entering into any binding
contract with a foreign power under what
soever preteXt, save with their sahctioh
and consent first obtained.
But for the fact that while these neSo-
tiations were pending his majesty unlor-
tunately fell i'll of typhoid fever, there can
be little doubt that they would have oei,, -,
brought to satisfactory conclusion IN
spite Of the strenuous opposition OF lhe
Balkanian prime minister. Count Sastro-
WITCH whose leaning toward RUSSIA was
notorious. and who was, moreover. Inv, wv. =.
to have exerted all his great influence over
the king in order to induce him 10 listen
faverably to the Russian proposals.
What had caused his majestys suouen
change of front was complete riuoie; Du'
ne had barely recovered from his Illness
during which his brother, Prince Gresor
Alexander, had been appointed regent
when, to everybOdys CONSERVATION ne re-
fused absolutely to ratify the conVentioh
with the great powers. He had reconsfd-
cred the matter, he declared, and would
abide by his prime minister's policy and
aocede to the proposals Of Russia.
1t was at this critical juncture that
Prince Gregor Alexander, whose faith In
SIR John Templeton's Judgment. like that
of every one who knew him, was very
great, took the desperate course Of sum-
moning the old diplomatist from Vienna.
I'VE at wits end" he wrote to
him, land I know no one better qualified
to help us than you. There are powers at
work here which battle US, one and all, and
this devil Sastrowitch is at the bottom of
the business. l have always known him
to be an Inscriptions schemer, but in this
instance his position seems unassailable.
for he undoubtedly possesses the kings
full support. though I am convinced that
the ascendancy he has gained over my
brothers mind has not been obtained by
natural or legitimate means"
The result of this letter. which was ac-
companied by few lines from Sir Richard
Anson. the British plenipotentiary cordial
ly ndorsing the princes words, and invit-
ing Sir John to take up his quarters at
the embassy during his visit was the ar
riva! of the old diplomatist three days later
at Metropolis, the Ba1kanian capital
unfortunately" said Sir Richard Anson
as he drove with Sir John Templeton to the
palace of the prince regent, Prince Gregor
alexander. though gifted with an intellect
OF stamp superior to that of his brother.
is on the other hand no less lacking than
he in those qualities Of firmness and de-
cision to the absence of which in his ma
Jesty the rise to power and influence of
such man as this Sastrowitch is due. 1t
Is important that you should bear this In
mind, Sir John. The conditions of political
life in. the east are totally different from
tne condlllons prevailing in our western
world Here. intrigue f1ourishes as an art,
and governs all things, social as well as
political. and a greater adept in the art
than this fellow Sastrowitcn it would be
difficult to conceive
Had Sir Richard Anson been observant
he might have noticed a smile of amuse-
Hent pass over the wrinkletf countenance
of the old diplomatist while he listened to
this wei-meant advice. But Sir John made
no reply. He merely bowed with great
gravity. and a few minutes later the car
riaee drove through the grand archway of
the prince regents palace and drew up In
front of the entrance. The sentinels on
duty presented arms as the plenipotentiary
followed by Sir John Templeton, al,ghted
ard passed into the building. Ten minutes
afterward they were eloseted in conference
with his Royal Highness Prince Gregor
Alexander.
They found the prince with an official
looking document In his hand, in a state
of great perturbation.
Z fear you have arrived just in time to
assist at my obsequles,' he said, handing
the document to Sir John, after briefly
acknowledging the prompt response he had
given to his invitation. This destroys our
last hope"
Sir John glanced at the document and
then at the prince.
Your royal highness deprived Of the
command of the army?" he said. when
was this cabinet order issued?"
"At midnight yesterday" the prince an
swered. You will observe that General
Rostroff. the most serviie supporter Of Rus
STA in the whole army. has been appointed
my successor. I am disgraced- All! his
majesty would never Of his own free will
have put such an a6ront upon his brother.
He Is possessed by the evil influence of
that demon Sastrowitch. And he refuses
even to see or hear me-
Yet the king was well enough yesterday
to give his usual public audience" Sir John
remarked
True said the prince. 'And have
reason to know that Sastrowitch and the
Russian ambassador were with the king at
the very moment that I. his brother. was
refused admittance to the royal audience
chamber. Your journey. fear. has been
useless, Sir John. see no means now or
introducing you into his majesty's pres
ence; and without an Interview
Let that not distress you, sir, said Sir
john II no longer require your highness'
good offices in introducing me to his ma
jesty.'
You no longer require themT" the prince
said. But how"
Il have already seen the king" Sir John
replied quietly.
Sir Richard Anson looked up IN surprise.
You have seen the king?" he said. Il
do not understand you. 1t is but two hours
since You arrived in Metropolis"
"It is two hours since l arrived In Me-
tropolis for the second time. Sir Richard.
yes," the willy old diplomatist answered.
his keen gray eyes twinkhng with pleas
ure at the evident perplexity Of his host.
whose recent instructive httle lecture on
the art of intrigue he had evidently not
forgotten. Il apprehended that you would
do me the honor of receiving pe In person
at the station, and having reason to know
that his highness' gracious invitation had
passed through other hands before it
reached mine. 1 deemed it expedient to ar
than announced. In the interval I have
been enabled. among other things, both to
see and speak with bis majesty"
abashed.
public audienee?' asked the prince.
II was present, and had the honor.
among many others, Of presenting a petit
ton to his majesty" replied Sir John. II
there saw and heard enough to convince
hot ho of ha ,u