Ruffled Waters

Alexander Stambuliski, deposed Premier of Bulgaria, was killed at Vetren near Slavovitza, his birthplace, according to despatches, which may not give authentic information. Permission had been given to Stambuliski to visit his birthplace. Peasants attacked his guards; Stambuliski was freed. Soldiers later attacked the peasants and in the fight which ensued Stambuliski was shot dead.

Many stories are in circulation about the ex-Premier, some of which are doubtless untrue. It is said that he wished to accompany King Boris to the United States to find him an American queen. Another report has it that he wished to make King Boris abdicate so that he could become King of Bulgaria. The greatest value of these yarns, as they probably are, is that they faithfully portray the character of the man. He was in the habit of speaking with almost brutal directness, i. e., his warning to King Ferdinand in September, 1915: " If you plunge this country and its peace-loving people into an unnecessary war, Sir," he said, " you will pay for it with your head and your throne. The blood of the people will be upon your hands and the judgment of God upon your soul! I warn you now of your folly! "

The King stood aghast, then regaining his composure, he replied curtly: " Well, others may lose their heads, too." He had Stambuliski thrust into jail, where he remained throughout the war.

During his tenure of office, (1919-1923), Stambuliski ruled the land with the same autocratic sway as had Stefen Stambulov (born of humble parents, self educated, Premier 1887-1894, assassinated 1895). He had the support of the agrarians, but practically every other party was against him. It was because of his dictatorial rule that Stambuliski fell from power.

The situation in Bulgaria is still uncertain. According to the latest reports, however, the new Government is likely to stand until the new elections have taken place, which will be during the next six weeks. It seems that the death of Stambuliski has put a damper on the conflicts between the peasants and the adherents of the new regime.

M. H. Zankov, new Premier, issued a manifesto declaring that the new Government will abide by ths terms of the Treaty of Neuilly and that it " is absolutely opposed to any sort of warlike adventure." Despite this pronouncement, neighboring countries--Rumania, Yugoslavia, Greece--are holding their armies on the frontiers " in case of accidents." Turkey, another neighbor, was considerably perturbed over the Bulgarian crisis, as it was thought likely that an attempt would be made to establish a Bulgarian outlet on the Aegean Sea. This would have had an instant effect on the Lausanne Conference. However, it can be said that neither the economic nor the military condition in Bulgaria would permit her to carry on a war.