Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-04-19
BULGARIA FREE
J OF BOLSHEV|SM.
.SAYSKINC BORIS
People Too Sensible and Too
: Busy to Bother With
Revolutionary Schemes,
Asserts Sovereign

correspondence Associated PresS)
Sofia, March 23.-King Boris o
Bulgaria is confident that there i,
.iot muc1 danger of the spread OF
eolshevik doctrine among the peo-
pie OF his country In an inter-
new with the correspondent of the
Associated Press, he declared tina
the Bulgarian people are too sensi-
be and toe engrossed in their daily
agricultural pursuits to bother with
revolutionary schemes of govern
ment.
The king discussed with the~cor.
respondent the disorder and chaos
Russia and the disturbed in
ternal situation in Germany, and
asked the correspondents opinion
whether tolshevism would obtain a
hold on ;hc new German republic
Or other European countries.
The interview took place in the
room in which only few months
ago the young King Boris father,
King Ferdinand, had abdicated. The
youthful monarch, who is only Is
years old, is very modest, demo-
cratic and unobtrusive in manner.
His whole appearance and bearings
suggest the student rather than
royalty. In fact he might be taken
for an American college man. He
has delicate, refined features, alert
but kindly eyes and quiet, gra-
cious address, and speaks excellent
English. His favorite occupation is
mechanics and engineering. He is
able to drive a locomotive and al
ways operates his own automobile.
King Popular Among Troops.
The king wore the drab uniform
of a major with a medal awarded
for bravery at the front on his
breast. He is extremely popular
among the Bulgarian soldiers with
whom he fought side by side for
three years in dangerous positions.
On the walls of the room in which
the king received the correspondent
were autographed photographs of
the crowned heads of many nations,
but that of the former Emperor
William of Germany was conspic-
uously absent. A volume of the ad-
dresses of President Wilson rested
on writing table, and in book
case nearby were several American
books and Bryces american Com
monwealth."
The king expressed pleasure in
meeting the American correspond
ent who, he said, was the first
American to visit Bulgaria since
the beginning of the war. His first
question was to ask if his visitor
had any news relating to the peace
conference in the doings Of which
the young king displayed eager in
terest. He declared that the Bull
garian people would long be CRATE
full to the United States for its
course toward Bulgaria during the
war
1--WE have always had an I'M
shakable confidence in the friend
ship and good will of your coun-
try, and the highest admiration for
the splendid principles of your pres
ident," said the king. 1T is this
feeling which gave us reason to
hope that at the peace conference
the small but industrious Bulgarian
people will have their most power
full support in the American repub
lie and its illustrious president, In
the early years of their national
awakening, it was the sons OF Amer
lea who gave the Bulgarians the
Bible in their own tongue.
Il think that the great mission
which Providence has laid upon
President Wilson will be felt most
beneficially in the Balkans where
the nations are awaiting justice and
harmony in their political relations
in order to be able to enjoy en-
during peace, productive labor and
true moral and cultural progress"
Referring to the work of Amer
lean schools in Bulgaria, King Boris
declared that their influence upon
education. culture and progress of
the country was enormous. 1t was
in the American schools at Con-
s.antinople and Samokov thar some
of Bulgaria's best statesmen OBJ
tanned their early training, he de-
dared. The king expressed warm
appreciation of the services Of
Dominick H. Murphy, formerly
American charge d affairs in Bull
garia. and declared that Mr.. Murphy
was largely instrumental in bring
ing about the cessation of hostil-
tiles in the Balkans. Bulgarians,
the king said, would always rer:em-
Der his sympathetic, friendly atti-
tude.
The king paid high tribute to the
British forces in the fighting on
the Macedonian front, for their
bravery and their clean methods of
fighting. Gas attacks" he said,
ARE unsportsmanlike and an in
human method of warfare" .'
His fondest hope, said the king,
was to visit the United States after
the conclusion of peace. He said
he had strong desire to see Amer
iea's great universities, manufacture
ing plants, railway systems and pub
lie buildings.