New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-02
PETERS TENURE OF THRONE
ASSURED BY BALKAN WAR
Karageorgevich Dynasty in
Servia Strengthened on
the Battlehelds of
Macedonia.
lFrom The Tribune Correspondent. J

[From The Tribune Correspondent
London, Oct 25.-Under date Of October
0 Charles Woods has written to THE
Daily Express" from Belgrade an &C
count of how the Balkan wars Of the
last year have served to establish King
Peter Of Servia firmly on his throne.
which before the Turkish war formed a
very unstable seat. Mr.. Woods says:
ION the occasions OF the numerous pre-
vious visits which | have paid to Servia
during the last few years l have always
found that the position occupied by King
Peter and his family was one Of the
most important questions OF Seryian in
ternal policy. Practically the whole edu-
Gated element OF the population was pub
licy divided into two sections-the regi-
eide and anti-regicide parties. While the
supporters of the former party never
openly nvowed their love of murder. they
were not slow to make excuses for those
who had actually killed king and
queen who were certainly not beloved in
Servia.
The violent anti-regicides, on their
side, talked OF nothing except the hor-
rors of family which, TO say the least
OF 1t, returned to Servia under most 'un-
favorable circumstances.
Wanted a Foreign Prince.
prior to the crisis which resulted from
the annexation OF Bosnia by Austria In
1903, this state OF things alone was UNI
doubtedly a great danger for the Servian
Karageorgevich dynasty. There were, in
deed, many Servians who refused to
recognize the new King and who were
anxious to induce foreign prince to
accept their throne. Others even thought
that the crown might advantageously be
offered to a member Of the Montenegrin
royal family.
Indeed, until the outbreak of the war
with Turkey last year not only were a
large number OF Servians completely op-
posed to the whole family OF which King
Peter is the head, but his friends were
themselves divided into different parties
upon the question OF who should succeed
him.
"All this Is now changed. The man
who returns to Servia for the first time
since the country has fought two victori-
Gus wars cannot fail 10 be astonlshed
at the strengthened position Of King Peter
and his family. During the last few days
have myself conversed with friends
whom | have known for years and with
acquaintance met for the first time.
One and all agree that the sooner past
events are forgotten the better.
Reasons for Rehabilitation.
This being the state OF things, have
made IL my business during the last few
days to ascertain the real reasons for the
rehabilitation Of King Peter and his fam
fly. Judging from conversations which
have had with men OF all classes, they
are these:
81, The thorough constltutonalism OF
King Peter is IN great contrast TO the
desire for personal power which was al
ways shown by Kings Milan and Alexan.
der, who preceded him. After the murder
Of King Alexander the present sovereign
assembled the throne by the choice OF the
people, and he has always governed by
the will OF the nation. This has meant
the adoption OF a national or more or less
forward policy by Servia.
'2. The King is now formally recog-
nized by all the foreign courts. and he
has been officially received In Russia and
elsewhere. The marriage OF Princess
Helene with member OF the royal house
Of Russia has, too, done something TO IN
crease the friendship already existing be-
tween tho two courts.
"s. Prince George who took part In and
who behaved very we'll during the war
with Turkey, has now practically van
ished from the public eye abroad, and Is
said not 10 be In good health. His disap-
pearance has removed. at least tempo
rarily, one OF the greatest dangers OF IN
ternal strife In Seryla.
II. There is now no direct representa-
tive OF the Obrenovlch dynasty.
80. Prince Alexander-the Crown Prince
who was always liked in Servia. has
now greatly strengthened his position
owing to his conduct during the recent
wars Hardly absent from the front tor
a single day during the two campaigns
his royal highness knew no fear, and
often had to be induced to leave positions
which his elders thought too dangerous
for him. Throughout the Turkish war he
WAS always with the staff OF the First
Army, having fought with II at the battle
of Kumanova, and having entered uskuo
at it's head.
As to the Her.Apparent.
AS result OF an audience with when
his royal highness has just honored me,
am also in position TO form personal
impression OF his character and OF his
distinctive qualities. The prince Is pos
sessed of thin, well set-up, smart lg-
ure. which obviously belongs to mill
tary man. With sharp features almost
black hair and shortcut mustache' the
heir-apparent may easily be said to be
good looking. His royal highness, VINO
was. of course, dressed In uniform ana
who wore the highest Servian order for
bravery in the field received me in the
NEST kindly of ways.
From the topics which We discussed
and from the remarks made by his royal
highness II became Immediately apparent
TO me that he Is not only serious think
ing but also a studious young man. Al
the present moment the prince Is ex-
tremely busy. for as inspector general OF
the servian army he Is not only nom