The Washington times., 1903-07-05

edy"
More than two years before the
tragedy in the royal palace at Belgrade
by which the Servian family OF obreno-
witch became extinct, Queen Natalie
mother of the late unfortunate King
Alexander, was quoted as having thus
predicted the recent horror at the Ser
Wan capital It was thus that she re-
ceived the news of the marriage of her
son to Draga Msschin, a woman she
abhorred and one whom she had dis
missed from her service. because as
iedy in waiting the woman had pre-
suned to hirt with her son.
The prediction by Queen Natalie is a
matter OF record. 1t was published in
the July 1s01) number of the "Lady's
Realm" an English magazine. 1t was
u part of a story entitled THE Ro-
nance of Natalie, Queen OF servia; The
Tragedy of Her Life" The romance
embraces much Servian history never
printed elsewhere, and was compiled
from five sources by 'Intime."
| Queen Natalie knew the people of
the "swineherd kingdom" as Servia has
been known for number OF years. She
krew the disposition Of her son and
had equally intimate knowledge Of the
character of the woman he had taken
ns his wife. The Queen mother went
through an ordeal full Of unpleasant
publicity. She had been the leader of
faction at the Servian court which in
meny ways was opposed 10 the leader
ship of her husband, King Milan Her
cealings with the people told her. per-
haps. what might be expected in the
event of the Servians becoming af
fronted by any acts of their rulers.
When the marriage Of Alexander and
Draga was announced Queen Natalie was
in France. where she had gone after her
banishment following her divorce from
King Milan and the latter's abdicatiou
in favor Of Alexander. Though the par
ents OF the young King had separated
they were almost reunited through their
mutual hatred for the new Queen.
Marriage Caused a Sensation.
The announcement of the betrothal of
King Alexander Of Servia and Madame
Draga Maschin caused a great sensa-
tion, for. except by a few people in the
| immediate encourage OF the King end
those at the Russian court. the latter
being credited with making the match. ]
the engagement had been quite unex- |
pected.
IL was a very deep sorrow to Queen |
Natalie when the news reached her II
her sons betrothal. Unfortunately. in |
stead OF taking the matter in a dignifed. |
resigned manner. her majesty was too
ineensed TO listen 10 reason. She wrote i
furious letters both to her son and mis- |
betrothed. denouncing them in unmeas-
ured terms. She even wrote postcards |
In abuse of Madame Maschin 10 various
people in Servia In the hope that they |
would be read by postofice officials and |
cause public feeling to 20 against the
marriage
These postcards were suppressed by |
the authorities after the first one had |
arrived. On account of the methods 1
used by Queen Natalia she lost the SYM |
pathy of many people who had been |
ready to recognize her as an injured |
woman and queen. Had she possessed !
the cool. calm judgment Of her daugh- |
ter-in-law. Queen Draga, it is probable |
that both the young King and Queen /
would have been alive today and the |
queen mother a resident OF the palace |
at Belgrade.
Natalie's Fateful Prediction.
Consequently, many persons who have |
knowledge Of the Queens utterances
upon learning of the marriage Of her |
son believe. despite Queen Natalie's fear |
that a tragedy might follow, she is d. |
rectly responsible for the fuInIIment OF /
that fateful prediction.
Alexander's intimacy with Madame |
Maschin became pronounced at Biarritz |
where his mother established her home |
after being banished from Belgrade. King
Alexander had seen little OF Madame /
Maschin for several years prior to that
visit. but it was not long before an |
infatuation for the woman had softened |
into the most tender affection.
Queen Natalie. clever herself. fully ap- |
preciated talent in others, and had found |
great solace and pleasure in the com
% AAaNaAit dkd MdSCnln. |
When she saw her son. who was hardly |
out of his childhood. taking pleasure /
in the society Of her lady In waiting she /
was pleased at his appreciation of the |
woman's charming qualities Never ]
dreaming that he could develop a passion |
for woman who was her junior only |
by few years, and who actually looked |
much older than herself. the queen fail |
ed TO take heed of her sons relations |
with her companion.
1t is not likely that Alexander would !
have fallen in love with Madame Maschin
had she continued to PIay the role of |
friend Of his mother. She was a born
coquette. and it is even said that she
had filtration with King Milan in for
mer years. Her first marriage had not
been happy one. Her husband COM
mitted suicide, leaving her with a mere
pittance. 1t was soon after his death
that Natalie had pity on the unfortunate
young widow and took her into her own
hOnEehOid vVharp ha III