Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-09

late in the afternoon, the question
of BelianiS appointment as Minister of Finance
up for settlement 1t not determined without
pickering and undercurrent of dislike if not
of positive hatred of the man quickly made itself APP
parent.
The Serb and the Greek differ in most essentials.
The one is by habit and training good soldier,
proverbial ider, easygoing Optimist, endowed
with genial temper and happy go lucky nature,
capable indeed of extremes, yet mostly inclined to
the tolerant indifference that leaves things they
the other, whose martial qualities have vanished
in the melting pot of time, has developed the de-
fensve traits that to the aid of all who
can no longer maintain their in the tented
field The Greek is the usurer of the East. He wins
his way by using his subtle wits and the less adrot
people on whom he preys soon learn to regard him
with distrust which often eliminates in personal
violence in those half-cvilized communities where
law and order not maintained with heavy
hand.
The Kosnovian Ministry of course consisted of
of much higher type than the rude peasantry
that made up the bulk OF the nation But at heart
they were anti-Greek, and among them
tanned lively memories of Belianis methods when he
in power decade earlier. No one disputed his
ability yet none, save the King, had good word
for him. 1t recognized, however, that under
the dominion his opportunities for pecuaton at
the expense of the public would be few and far be-
tween.
Alexis Ill had already made his influence felt in
each department of state He ready to listen
every mans grievances and to adjust them if pos
sible he held the scales evenly between the bureau
cracy and the people, The official element knew full
well that had nothing to fear from the King anger
if disputed action could be justified while those
any of the great departments were beginning to
understand that they need not dread the vengeance
of executive against whose exactions they had
cause to complain.
After some discussion, therefore, guarded
ton given to Beianis appointment. 1t was
probable that each man in the Council had already
been approached in the Greeks behalf and that the
protests uttered by way of safety valves
in view of possible criticism in the future than in
tended to exclude this dreaded candidate from office
THE matter might have ended there for the mo-
ment had not the president of the Assembly
given somewhat maladroit twist to the discussion
when the King mentioned Beani's efforts with re-
gard to Austrian loan.
That, at least; we should oppose most bitterly,
said Nesimr. I'VE of the Balkans should never
cept favors from the hand of Austria. Our ally
is Russia and any outside aid received by kosnovia
should from Russia alone
Alec had learned the value of patience with med-
ocrities such Sergius Nesimr. He argued
with them He contented himself with pointing out
the facts and left the rest time; for he had soon
discovered that the weak talks himself into
agreement with the strong
Il would remind you that in this matter we are
ment,'' he said. Il have heard Of no concessions
attached to the loan. We merely going into the
money market like any other borrower and will
undertake to pay such reasonable interest the
lenders deem compatible with the security Offer.
Il think your Majesty will find that Austria will
impose ;s her own terms persisted the president
asked the King Monsieur Beliani spoke of Wen
nese bankers. They not Austria. This loan is
not SO nue.. matter or state as OF sound flnanCe.
II hope your Majesty is right in that assump-
ton, was the stubborn answer but | have reason
to believe that under certain contingencies only
would Russia assist in this respect but she would
at once take steps toward recognizing your Maestys
accession to the throne"
Contingencies" cried Alec, forced for the nonce
to maintain the discussion. What are they? What
is the difference between your suspected Austrian
terms and your Russian contingencies"
In the first place. your Majesty Russia is anxious
to consolidate the good feeling that exists among the
Slav nations by following sett.ed policy in the