Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-05-24
RESTORATION OF
SERBIA PROMISED
Prince Alexander Tells Correspondent
That Allies Have Given Assur-
ances of Settlement

Athens. May %, via London, May "a.
delayed Prince Alexander of Ser
bia regent of King Peters landless
kingdom, in an interview today with
a. representative of the Associated
Press. said that he had assurances
from all the allies that no settlement
of the war would be accepted which
did not provide for the restoration of
Serbia
The prince appeared grave and
stern with that expression of sadness
which seems to be the heritage of
every Slav He was thin and worn
from the hardships through which he
has passed, but seemed in excellent
health.
Il receive you" he said, ito prove
how deeply l appreciate the tone of
the American press, which, while de-
Tending the sacred principle of the lib
erty of all peoples, has thereby rem
dered justice to our rights to exist as
an independent nation. Serbia desires
to live in peace but only on condition
tina tits aspirations, culture and Ian
that its aspirations, culture and Ian
those of Others"
The prince chatted unaffectedly of
the hardships which he and his troops
had endured in their retreat through
Albania. Always, however, he return
! ed to the one thought which fills his
mind-the driving of the invaders
| from his country.
Il was very glad" he said, ito be
able to assure myself during my visits
to the capitals of the allies that our
| legitimate expectations have found
the sincerest sympathy and will have
! the most efficacious aid | was as
sured that the allies are united in
their determination that Serbia must
/ be restored.
! Our poor population in Serbia has
suffered terribly from the cruel regime
under which they now live 1t is
nothing new for those who know what
took place in Belgium and the invaded
provinces of Russia and France What
/ is new, however, and what is worse
than anything Of the sort yet seen is
the application of Bulgarian methods
! to our country.
! The fate of our civil population is
what worries US most and we are try
ing all the time to find some way to
stop this determination of our already
almost half eXterminated race"
The prince speaking with deep emo
ton told of the efforts of the Ameri-
cans to aid the suffering Serbian civil
ians. He praised especially the work
of DR.. Edward Ryan, who is now in
Belgrade. Suddenly as if oppressed
by dwelling too long on the trials of
his countrymen, he jumped up and
said: Come along, | am going to re-
view some regiments and l will show
you soldiers who are ready for any
thing" adding somberly in an under
tone, because they have lost every
thing"
AS the khaki clad Serbs filed by,
brave and proud in their new uni
forms and in perfect physical trim,
the face of the prince regent took an
exalted expression as he saluted each
passing flag. Some of the soldiers
were gray haired men and some were
the merest boys Many of them had
been under arms constantly for six
years.
They are completely restored, y
ter than to come to grips with the in
yaders of their native land. Strong in
the friendship of our great allies we
place our trust in God and are con-
fdent that we shall enter our father
land in triumph and free our brothers
from the yoke of the oppressors.'
Just then company of the famous
men of MoraWa valley" swept past
big, blonde, deep chested men. Prince
AleXander's face lit up as he saluted
Serbia The company came to halt
swung around as one man and looked
their future sovereign eye to eye
There was a rattle as they presented
arms and then 100 voices answered /:
Forward Alexander Karageorgevitch
for Serbia :"
The prince regent turned to the cor
respondent his countenance shining
like that of a crusader: You see,
he said simply