RUPERT’S JOURNAL—Continued.

April 15, 1909.

The arbitrator’s decision has been communicated to us through the Chancellor of the Western King, who brought it to us himself as a special act of friendliness.  It met with the enthusiastic approval of all.  The Premier remained with us during the progress of the hunting-party, which was one of the most joyous occasions ever known.  We are all of good heart, for the future of the Balkan races is now assured.  The strife—internal and external—of a thousand years has ceased, and we look with hope for a long and happy time.  The Chancellor brought messages of grace and courtliness and friendliness to all.  And when I, as spokesman of the party, asked him if we might convey a request of His Majesty that he would honour us by attending the ceremony of making known formally the Balkan Settlement, he answered that the King had authorized him to say that he would, if such were wished by us, gladly come; and that if he should come, he would attend with a fleet as an escort.  The Chancellor also told me from himself that it might be possible to have other nationalities represented on such a great occasion by Ambassadors and even fleets, though the monarchs themselves might not be able to attend.  He hinted that it might be well if I put the matter in train.  (He evidently took it for granted that, though I was only one of several, the matter rested with me—possibly he chose me as the one to whom to make the confidence, as I was born a stranger.)  As we talked it over, he grew more enthusiastic, and finally said that, as the King was taking the lead, doubtless all the nations of the earth friendly to him would like to take a part in the ceremony.  So it is likely to turn out practically an international ceremony of a unique kind.  Teuta will love it, and we shall all do what we can.