The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-11-29

VINO are aware ot tue 1tf9HtNehN t'd1t
taken by Sir John Ten Teton in thwart-
ing 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 generation.
Their was, moreover, n mystery at
taching to this singular event which en-
HANGED the general excitement it caused
and which, until this day, has never been
publicly cleared up,
The King Of Bahama as well as his
brother and heir-presumptive, has al
ways been noted for his strong anti-Rus-
sian policy. Indeed, to forestall the pos
sibility of actual coerCive measures on
Russia's part. his Majesty himself had
opened UP negotiations with the other
great powers, the aim il which was the
conclusion OF convention that would
once for MI preclude Bahama from en-
tering into any binding contract with a
foreign power Hnder whatsoever pretext,
save with their sanction and consent first
obtained.
But for the fact that while these ne
gotiationS were pending his Majesty I'M
fortunately fell i'll of typhoid fever, there
can be little doubt that they would have
been brought to a satisfactory conclu-
sion, in spite of the strenuous opposition
of the Balkanian Prime Minister, Count
SaSrrowitch, whose leaning towards Rus
STA was notorious and who was moreover
known TO have exerted all his great in
fluence over the King in order TO induce
him to listen favorably to the Russian
proposals.
What had caused his Majesty's sudden
change of front was n complete riddle.
But he had barely recovered from his ill
ness. during which his brother, Prince
George Alexander, had been appointed
Regent. when, to everybody's consterna-
ton, he refused absolutely TO ratify the
convention with the Great Powers. He
had reeonsidered the matter, he declared,
and would abide by his Prime Minister'S
policy and accede to the proposals of
Russia.
1t was at this critical juneture that
Prince George Alexander, whose faith
in Sir John Templeton's judgment, like
that of everyone who knew him, was
very great, took the desperate course of
summoning the old diplomatist from
Vienna.
I'VE are at our wits end" he wrote to
him, .'and | know no one better qualified
to help MS 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. | have always
known him to be an INSCRIPTIONS schem-
er, but in this instance his position seems
unassailable, for he undoubtedly posses
ses the Kings full support, though | am
convinced that the ascendaney 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 Rich
ard Arson, the British Plenipotentiary,
cordially endorsing the Princes words,
and inviting Sir John TO take up his
quarters at the Embassy during his visit,
was the arrival of the old diplomatist
three days later at Metropolis, the Bal
kanian capital.
Unfortunately" said Sir Richard An
son, as he drove with Sir John Temple
ton to the palace Of the Prince Regent.
Prince Gregor Alexander, though gifted
with an intellect of a stamp superior TO
that Of his brother, is on the other hand
no less lacking than he in those qualities
Of frmness an decision to the absence of
which in his Majesty the rise Of power
and influence of such a man as this Sas-
trowitch 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 the conditions
prevailing in our Western world. Here,
intrigue Hourishes as an art, and governs
all things, social as we'll as political, and
a greater adept in the art than this fell
low Sastrowitch it would be difficult to
conceive"
Had Sir Richard Arson been observ-
ant, he might have noticed a smile Of
amusement pass over the wrinkled coun-
tenace Of the old diplomatist while he
listened to this well-meant advice. But
Sir John made no reply. He merely bow
ed with great gravity, and few minutes
later the carriage drove through the
grand archway of the Prince Regents
palace and drew up in front Of the en-
trance. The sentinels on duty present
ed arms as the Plenipotentiary, followed
10y Sir John Templeton, alighted and
passed into the building Ten minutes
afterwards they were closeted in confer
ence with his Royal Higbness Prince
Gregor Alexander.
They found the Prince with an Off
cial-looking document in his hand, in
state of great perturbation.
Il fear you have arrived just in time
to assist at my obsequies," he said,
handling the document to Sir John, after
briefly acknowledging the prompt res
ponse 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
answered. ''You win observe that General
Rostroff, the most servile supporter of
Russia in the whole army, has been APP
pointed my successor. / am disgraced.
All! his Majesty would never Of his own
free will have put such an affront upon
his brother He is possessed by the evil
influence Of that demon Sastrowitch.
And he refused even to see or hear me-"
yet the King was well enough yester-
Z.