The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-15
INTERESTING CAREER
OF SERVIA'S NEW KING
Life Filled With Ups and Downs
re and Daredevil EScapadeS.


ago knew him as an interesting figure in
Paris, are recalling various phases of
his adventurous and checkered career.
His life has been filed with daredevil
escapades and the ups and downs of
royal pretender and a soldier of for
tune. He has been constantly engaged
in intrigues, plots and counterp1ots for
the realization of his royal aims.
At the homes of Prince Bodijar Kara
Georgoviteh and other members and
friends of the family this afternoon it
was pointed out that much confusion
existed concerning the various branches
OF the family. Prince Peter, the newly
proclaimed King, is the head of the
younger branch of the family. which DC
cupied the throne through his father,
Alexander. from 1912 to 1856.
81 Alexis in America.
Prince Alexis is the head of the elder
branch OF the family Prince Bodijar
is a brother OF Alexis. Prince Peter has
a brother named Arsene, who is living
here. 1t was Prince Alexis who visited
America, which created an Impression
among Americans here that the new
King was once in the United States.
Prince Peter inherited from his father.
King Alexander, and his grandfather.
Kara-George. the Intense family bitter
ness for the wrongs committed against
the house OF Kara Georgovftch. He
seems to have chosen a military career
for the purpose of fitting himself to
avenge his wrongs and restore himself
and his family TO their royal rights. In
personal appearance he resembles his
famous grandfather.
Wandered in Exile.
He received in Belgrade the early edu-
cation OF prince. but when a boy of
twelve he saw the rule OF his family
terminated and he and his relatives
were driven into exile. Since then he
has been a wandering royal pretender.
and often resided in Paris. whittier he
came Immediately after his exile.
He entered the Lycee of Sainte Barbe
and there qualified himself for the mill
tary school OF st. Cyr, from which he
was graduated sublieutenant Later he
entered the Military STAFF College. and
graduating just before the outbreak of
the Franco Prussian war. he plunged
into this conflict as an officer of the For
eign Legion, which was largely made UP
OF scions of noble houses and adventur-
Gus foreigners. This famous body was
attached to the Fifteenth Army Corps.
often receiving attention and praise from
NaDoleoR III
In Battle Of Orleans.
He was in the hardest fighting of the
var, and took part in the battle of Or
lrans. where his cousin, NicoIaievitch.
was killed. He there attracted the at
tention OF General Billot. who made
him a member of his personal STAFF. He
Showed conspicuous bravery in the bat
Tie of Villersexel and was rewarded
with the decoration OF the Legion of
honor.
On the conclusion OF the war he turned
his attention to Herzegovina's struggle
Ter liberty and took a prominent part
In the rising which was the starting
point Of the Russo-Turkish war. He
spent the greater part OF his fortune in
aiding the insurgents. One of his COM
rhdes in arms, named Nechich, describes
him as an enthusiast in the national
cause, dreaming of a greater Servia, and
OF all the Servians under one flag.
He even offered to serve under the
lrte King Milan, whom he regarded az
q usurper Of the Servian throne, and
be his loyal soldier II the Servian army
would join the insurgents. King Milan
refused. and thus intensified the rivalry
Between the two houses.
Friend Of the Car.
After the Russian Turkish war the
Cars disgust with King Milan's course
made the Russian sovereign friendly 10
the Kara Georgoyitch family. 1t was the
Car who arranged Prince Peters mar
Tiage with Princess Zorka of Monte
negro. Prince Peter then withdrew from
warfare 10 Paris. II was at this time
that he became well known as a Pa
risian figure. but twelve years absence
has largely effaced the recollection OF
him.
When his wife died, in 1890. Prince
Peter went to Geneva, where he has
since resided, though making occasional
visits here. OF his three children. his
daughter Helen is now living with her
father. and his two sons. George and
Alexander, are both in the corps or
pages at the Russian court. but at their
fathers express request the sons are not
enjoying the special privileges granted
TO the children Of princes.
Life in Geneva.
In the course OF his life in Geneva he
Kept up his relations with the political
leaders IN Servia. but always maintain
ed that he took no active part in the
plots against King Alexander. At the
time OF Alavantic's attempt at revolt.
In 1902, charges OF completely were made
against Prince Peter, who then address
ed an indignant letter to the Paris pa
pers, in which he said:
Il take this opportunity to deny King
AleXander's statement that ! have an
understanding with his former ministers
now in Austria. and 1 also deny any
participation in the pamphlets now
flooding Servia. which were not Inspired
nor approved by me. Lastly. and once
for all, boldly affirm that I am not
consDiring against Servia and am not
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