Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-12

quicker than any man I ever knew, "
said Queen Marie, his mother-in~la
Likewise, he is one of the fastest
walkers / know 1t Is extremely diff
cult to keep pace with him. All his
movements are nervous. lie seems
always to be in hurry. He becomes
suddenly impatient over some tgife,
and then is Just as suddenly calm
again"
From 10 4 in the afternoon he
usually takes an automobile trip with
the Queen into the country, driving
himself. Occasionally he varies this
by horseback ride. long walk or a
game Of tennis. From to Z he grants
audiences
Like most Slavs Alexander is very
piouS and goes to church every Sunday
and on all feasts He is a member Of
the Greek Orthodox Church. But he is
broadmindcd and does not adhere to
dogmas or rigid doctrines He is haV-
ing his private chapel 1T the new palace
decorated with religious frescocs by a
Russian artist
The Kings principal aims in life,
as expressed to the Associated Press
are: To be a good King. TO serve
every interest Of his people; to be a
good husband and father: to keep peace
and contentment in his country; to
unite all the different nationalities in
a real and lasting brotherhood: to de-
velop all the natural resources of the
country to the utmost: to cultivate
genuine and enduring friendships with
all neighbors, vanquished and victori-
Gus alike.
Never Formally Crowned.
Although Alexander has been on
the throne seven years. he has never
been formally crowned. He has always
insisted that his country could better
devote the expense of such corona
ton to other more useful ends. Only
once has he worn the crown. and that
was when he formally assumed the
throne in 1921 He does not care for
expensive or elaborate clothes. His
habitual garb is his simple generals
uniform.
Alexander is essentially a home
man He is not fond of society. His
marriage to Queen Marie's second
daughter, Marie. proved to be as
happy as Crown Prince Carols match
with Princess Helen was unhappy
His majesty prefers the company OF
intellectual men to all others. One OF
his frequent visitors is Or, John
Dyneley Prince. American Minister 70
Jugoslavia, who speaks 10 the King
in his own Slav tongue which greatly
pleases the youthful monarch,
There Is scarcely corner Of Jugo-
Slavia's 96,i35 square miles that he
doesn't know. He likes to drop in on
peasants in their farmhouses when
they least expect 1t, and discuss with
them their troubles and problems. The
country folk. among whom he is enor-
mously popular, call him their Little
Father"
King Alexander has a remarkable
knowledge of military science and
strategy Throughout all the wars in
which his country was engaged since
1912. he has served at the front.
Many Close Calls.
Entering the World War as a private
citizen he rose To the rank of COM
mander~in-c In all major military
actions he was conspicuous for his skill
and bravery. He had many narrow
escapes from death.
The King never grants interviews or
makes public statements. The only ex-
ception he made was when he received
the correspondent Of the Associated
Press and discussed International af-
fairs and other matters with him FOL
nearly two hours.
The Kings memory for detail Is some
times embarrassing to visitors, as. 10,
example. when an old war comrade Wis.
tied him. and absent mindedly put thu
box Of matches which was on the table
into his pocket after lighting a ciga.
-ette. When he rose to 60 an hour later
the King said smilingly. oh you NIGH
| just leave my matches behind, the,
/ are the only ones I have