Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-09
Back From Elha.

Amid the strictly modern trappings
of aircraft and radio, King is come
to Rumania today, as the result of a
coup accomplished with spectacular
suddenress. Carol II, scion of his
house, exiled for more than four years,
ascends the throne of his fathers, de-
posing by the same token his own sen,
Michael, created King under a regency
when the Rumanian Parliament de-
prived Carol Of his royal rights. Carol,
hailed unanimously and enthusiastical-
~ by his loyal and forgiving subjects,
resumes the crown and scepter. Michael
goes back to his hoops, his ponies and
his sand box. The father is King; the
son becomes a boy again. No Viennese
operetta librettist, with penchant for
Balkan themes, could wish for a plot
so rich in romance.
Though the restoration of King
Carol took Europe, and probably most
Of Rumania itself, by surprise, there
can be no doubt that it eventuated in
consequence Of long and carefully pre-
pared plans. Equally certain is it that
the hayward prince, despite his matri-
naonial ecHentricities, never forfeited
the affection Of his people. Yesterday
when the National Assembly at Bucha-
rest voted on the formal proclamation
Of Carol II as King, 486 ayes were con-
fronted by a single nay-that of the
unrelenting anti-Carolist, M. Bratianu,
the once all-potent Liberal leader.
Throughout the week end the new
King was the object of fervid demon
STATIONS of devotion. He has no rea-
son to question the wholeheertedness
with which Rumania welcomes him
back from Elba.
Dynastic and political isSues-the alb
clifton of the regency, the abdication OF
the boy King, the annulment of Carols
divorce from his wife, Princess Helen,
and the creation of a government SYM
pathetic with the new regime-win in
due course find speedy adjustment.
They are minor in import compared
to the underlying significance of Carols
enforcement. The paramount impor-
lance of that event lies in its promise
Of domestic tranquility in Rumania.
Monarchial to the core as her people
are, there has been no internal peace
IN the country since the death of King
Ferdinand and the remuneration OF the
succession by Carol, his son. Party
strife thrived on the dynastic chaos
that ensued. Carolists and anti
Carolists planned and plotted. National
unity remained an unattainable objec-
tive as long as the anomalous situation
lasted. On the surface, King Carols
accession may look like the realization
Of a mere princeiings ambition. 1t is,
In fact, a development Of the widest
political magnitude.
The new King is young, handsome,
dasf1ing prince, modern in his ideas,
beloved in the army, and, doubtless,
chastened and sobered by the adven-
turous experiences he has weathered at
home and abroad. He enters upon
grave responsibilities and a field OF
high opportunity. To some observers
remote from Rumania's boundaries
there may be an ominous note in his
statement that his first effort as King
will be to develop an army capable of
maintaining Rumania's frontiers" Both
Soviet Russia and Hungary dream of
''rectifying" Rumania'S frontiers In
their own favor. Whether the emphasis
King Carol lays on his military pro-
gram is conducive to peace-mindedness
in Central Europe, time will tell.