The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-06-28

SR HE first act of King Peter, on his (SD formal reception Into servia, was
 to entrust his cousin at Paris with the purchasing of a crown to cost not more than ss0OO. Observant men of the world say that this evidence of weak ness on the part of Peter hodes no good for the servians and Is apt to cause an unfavorable feeling abroad.
 History tells us there was once a crown at Belgrade, but it was long ago lost or pawned by King Milan in the three ball shops of, Parts and Vienna. When Milan invested himself with his golden crown twenty-five years ago Charles of Rouma- mia assumed one of iron. However, the composition of the crown makes very lit- tie difference. he it of paper, Iron or geld. The main thing is the man. and from pres ent indications King Peter will bitterly repent that he ever saw a crown before his reign is finished. He is already domi- mated by the army and judging from his late proclamation is thoroughly intimidat- ed. Every sentence of this very brief document ended with My dear army" My brave officers" or similar express sions that very much resembled "taffy."
 The strike fever has reached West Afri- ca and the Kroos have declated a walk out This body of men Is compesed of fine, muscular, industrious blacks who are em- ployed to carry freight through the surf between the ships and the shore. Judging from the wages these men receive they are well provided with excuses for a strike. For a hard days work they re- ceive twenty-four cents and have asked for thirty. The increase was refused and the Kroos quit work. Such a thing was unheard of in West Africa up to this time. The work the men do is even worse than that of the Mississippi river roustabout, for in addition to staggering all day and part of the night under crushing burdens they are compelled to endure the buffeting of the surf. They are indispensable to the trading steamers. however, and it is predicted that the merchants will soon have to accede to their demands.
 Violets have become immensely popu- lar during the past sew years. The sweet scented blooms have proven a bonanza for certain parts of Duchess county, New York, where the soil Is especially adapted for their cultivation. Near Read Hooks and Rhinebeck there are more than 125 violet houses and dozens are now being built. It is estimated that s2OO,OOO worth of violets were sold in the two towns dur Ing the season just ended. The industry has practically been developed within the past two years and It's growth is there fore, remarkable.
 King Edward of England is noted as an accomplished diplomat politician, and well rounded man of the world. In addi- tion to these qualities he has a perfect mastery of several European tongues to which his success in diplomatic affairs has frequently been attributed.
 A story is going the rounds in London which Illustrates the kings versatility. At private dinner given recently there were two toasts to be delivered which permitted the King of England and the President of France to exchange greetings and mutual expressions of good will. M. Loubet came to the banquet with his speech neatly written out and read it. Ed ward rose to reply and delivered off hand an admirable little talk. in the choicest French, much to the surprise of the guests, and 1t may be supposed, to the chagrin of M. Loubet The contrast be- tween the two men thus intensified creat- ed profound impression in official cir- cles.
 Certain metropolitan dailes are poking fun at their contemporaries for heralding with much unctious woe the sad prdica-