The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-12
SERVIA'S NEW KING.
He Lives at Geneva. and Seemed to BE
AstOnished at the News.


Astonished at the News.
GENEVA, June 11.-Prince Peter Kara
georgevitch, whom the Servian army has
proclaimed King has been living in Geneva
since 1891. He appeared greatly astonished
on receiving the news from Belgrade.
which he said had reached him through
private telegram from Vienna. The prince
did not leave the house all day.
Over the telephone this afternoon he said
he had not yet received any official notice
regarding the events which took place in
Belgrade last night. He did not even know
whether it was true that he had been pro-
claimed King and he said he did not know
when. If at all. he would start for Bel
grade. The new Ministry, he added, in
cluded several of his adherents, but he was
unable to speak definitely on this subject,
as a number of names had been multilated
in Geographic transmission.
Through the Russian CONSUL an intimate
friend of Prince Karageorgevitch, the fol-
lowing statement was obtained this even
ing: prince karageorgevitch declares him
self innocent of any knowledge of the
tragedy at Belgrade. He said that through
his grandfather he undoubtedly had the
best right to the Servian throne and in
tended taking it If possible for the sake of
his son. but he expected to meet with great
difficulties and hoped for assistance from
Austria.
From other sources Ii Is learned that the
prince will leave secretly on Friday MORN
ing for Vienna, whence he will proceed
to Belgrade Rumors have been current
here for three days of expected trouble
in Servia and Prince Karageorgevitch has
been receiving an enormous number of tele-
grams for a week past, many. of them from
the frontier OF Servia.
During his residence in Geneva Prince
Karageorgevitch went freely into society.
1t has been a subject OF general remark
among the aristocracy and people that he
has looked extremely careworn for some
months The prince is a widower. fifty
three years old, and appears older. He is
of medium height and build, and his face
distinguished by long military mustache
is rather fierce He has three children
George, his heir, sixteen years old; Alex
ander fourteen years old, and Helene nine
teen years old. He lives in an extremely
simple manner and occupies whole house,
an unusual thing In Geneva, in the Rue
de la Bellotte. The house is elegantly fur
nished, though the prince is not rich and
keeps only woman servant and valet
He has several times proclaimed himself
heir to the Servian throne. but has no en-
tourage, as his poverty was known and the
presence of a court would have excited sus-
picion.
In the revolution, which, according TO gen.
eral belief was planned here 1t is recalled
that when the Austrian Empress was muir
dered by an Anarchist, Lucheni, at Geneva
In 1895 Prince karageorgevitch openly an
piauded the deed. He is extremely popular
here with all classes and is described as
unassuming, sensible and strictly honest
in all private and public transactions. The
prince usually visited Vienna and ST.
Petersburg every year. but recently he has
been several times to Vienna and has also
visited ST. Petersburg, where his son is at
school. He Is still received as a member of
the Montenegro royal family. into which he
married.