Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-06-22
INFATUATED WITH HIS MOTHERS
LADY IN WAITING.
FINALLY MARRIES HER
NuptiaI Arouse a Storm of Indiga-
ton, but Bride Succeeds in
Winning Many Friends-Her Hus-
band a Wild and Passionate Eel
low.

Alexander l, king of Servia, was
the only son of the reigning house of
the little mountain kingdom. His
father, King Milan, abdicated the
throne in 1889 as a result of popular
revolt due partly to his political in
digiatiOn aroused by his treatment OF
the beautiful Queen Natalie. Milan
he as alternately kidnapped by his
extravaganza plunged the kingdom
heavily into debt.
Alexander was born in August, 1876,
and was proclaimed king before
reaching his majority. Brief as was
his career, it was romantic and ex-
citing one. While he was yet a boy
he was alternately kidnapped by his
wicked father and his beautiful
mother. AT IA he was accustomed to
throw grown men out of the window.
AT II he personally kicked his
regents out of the palace and took the
government into his own hands. At
10 he was wrecking homes. AT q he
was drinking himself 10 death. At
"a he forsook alcohol and devoted
himself to romance.
King Alexander's marriage proved
one of the greatest sensations of
Europe royalty. Efforts were made to
induce him to wed into other royal
families, but they were of no avail.
He had become infatuated with Nine.
Draga Maschin, a lady in waiting 70
his mother-a mature, beautiful and
fascinating woman. The families of
rank protested against the union, but
in vain. Alexander was bent on
having his own way and in 1899 the
couple was welded.
Previous 10 this event Alexander
had made a feint of complying with
usage and finding a wife among the
royal families of Europe. But his
perhaps his infatuation for Draga con-
tributed to the result. He saw the
king Of the Belgians and was coldly
but politely informed that he need
not look for a wife there. He went to
Berlin, but the emperor made IL clear
to him that he was not desired as
member of the Hohenzollern family.
He would have gone 10 st. Petersburg,
but the car kindly intimated to him
that he would save himself a great
deal of trouble by staying away.
Then ne tried the court of Vienna.
He felt that the emperor of Austria.
having such a deep political interest
in Servia. ought 70 do something for
him. The emperor has so many
relatives tbat the king thought he
could spare a princess from them.
The emperor. however, had been so
thoroughly shocked by the young
mans previous career that he would
have nothing to do with him.
The Servians at one time announced
that an engagement had been ar
ranged between the ArchdIchess
Christine, daughter of the Archduke
Frederick of Austria, and the king of
Servia. This was denied with such
energy and promptness in Vienna as
TO leave no doubt Of the emperor
feelings toward Alexander.
After his unsuccessful tour of the
continent Alexander returned 10 Servia
more than ever determined TO crafty
his youthful passion and wed his
mothers attendant despite the dis
parity in their ages and social posi-
tiOns.
Nine. Maschiu was the daughter of
a minor official and was married early
in life 10 an engineer, who died a few
years ago. Her life had been un-
happy. Tt was her beauty that caused
Queen Natalie TO choose her as a
lady in waiting and an ornament to
her court Alexander renewed his
suit for her favor and was more
madly in love with her than ever. He
spent all his time in attendance upon
her. lie showered her with gifts.
Re gave her many Ct the crown
Jewels of Servia. At first his
ministers and cou~tiers thought that
this was only another IF his passing
caprices, but they were mistaken.
The kings disposition changed al
together. Formerly mOrose and
miserable. he now became bright and
happy. His dull eye grew bright and
MS bloated, sallow cheeks resumed
the hue of health.
The king caused an announcement
Of his intention to wed Draga TO be
made in the official court gazette. 1t
raised a storm in the country. The
cabinet ministers protested violently.
They told the king the consequences
of his act might ruin the dynasty.
Il am the king" said Alexander
proudly, "and I can marry whom /
please. Attend to your duties and 10
not NEEDLE with my private affairs
With that he dismissed them. They
went away and resigned in body.
Ex-King Milan was enraged WREN
he heard of his sons intention OF
wedding Draga. He was at Carlsbad
taking the waters for his hopeless
liver when Le heard C his sons de-
termination. He imme ately started
for Servia, swearing lat he would
L, FnW