Norwich bulletin., 1921-08-17
King Peter Of Serbia
Dies at Age Of rs
Was One of the Most Courag-
eous Figures of the World
War-Been in Seclusion.

Belgrade, Jugo Slavia, Aug. 1s.-(By
The A. P.l-King Peter of Serbia died
today.
King Peter, who for long time had
been i'll, was reported early in June to
be in seriouA condition. He was then
suffering from pleurisy. A short time
afterwards he was said TO be steadily
improving in health, and his physi-
clans declared him out of danger.
Nothing was heard of the aged mon
arch until few days ago, when a des-
patch from Belgrade said he was seri-
ously i'll with congestion of the lungs. He
sank into unconsciousness Friday, re-
naming in that condition until the fol-
lowing day. His condition became worse
Sunday night, and he gradually failed
until the end.
King Peter Of Serbia, rs years old,
white-haired, deaf i'll from the inhrml-
ties of age and suffering from the
wounds of three or more wars, rennq-
uished the cares of state in 1919 when
his second son. Crown Prince Alexand-
er, succeeded him and became the rul-
er of the new state of Jugoslavia.
my beloved Serbia is now free and
its future, believe, will be a great
one Ny work is over. 1 desire only
the continued aection and devotion Of
my dear people and, finally, grave on
Serbian soil.
Despite his age, King Peter presented
one of the most courageous figures of
the war. On the day that Serbia re-
jected the Austrian demands. Peter re-
nounced his temporary abdication of the
throne and placed himself once more at
the head of the country. He was even
then almost sightless and hard of hear
ing and was under the constant care OF
physician.
When the fortunes Of war turned
against the Serbians he remained with
his armies till practically the last units
had been driven from the country. He
then effected an escape through Albania
and went to Saloniki where he presided
over the reorganization of his forces.
Afterward he went to Corfu where he
established headquarters and took an
active part in the direction of his no
madic government.
King Peter was tall, erect and mus
cular and in spite of his age had the
appearance of a much younger man. He
had all the rugged qualities Of one
sprung from the soil" wrote one BIZ
ogarpher. "fIe took pride in referring to
his humble origin and throughout his
life lived modestly and unostentatiously.
He was extremely democratic and af-
fable His tastes werei simple to the
point of severity. He was beloved by
his people. particularly the peasantry,
who called him Father Peter :"
But his royal career was beclouded by
Ia grave and terrible tragedy-the as
sassination Of his predecessor, Kips
Alexander and the latter's wife. Queer
Draga-in the palace at Belgrade or
June TO- 1903. A suspicion that mem,
hers of the Karageorgevitch family. oi
which Peter was a member, were i'm
nlcated in the conspiracy which ex-
terminated the rival ruling Obrenovi
itch dynasty Of which Alexander and
Draga were representatives, and which
placed Peter on the throne five DAYS
1911. when King Peter made a tour o
Europe he received somewhat Of a colo
reception from other royalties.
| All told. more than so persons wer'
killed or wounded in the palace. at Bel
grade when 40 army officers forced thet
way in with dynamite. shot down al
who stood in their way as they pressed
toward the apartments of King Alex
ander and Queen Draga, and murdere'
| their maiesties as they crouched in
corner Of their room. clasped in eacl
others arms Their bodies were cas-
through a window glass and all int
the palace park At the same time tw
cabinet ministers were assasinated II
their homes
King Peter ACCOMPLISHED many bi
things for Serbia and became the idol q
his people because of his strong anti
Austrian and pro-Russian attitude.