Wild Man

His Majesty King Alexander caused Premier Pashitch to issue the following communique to the people: "In view of the state of the health of Prince George, elder brother of King Alexander, which is such that he urgently needs a change in the manner of his life and being put under the constant supervision of a doctor, the king has indicated under the royal family law a place of permanent residence for Prince George and appointed a special doctor." Prince George, 37 years of age, is the eldest son of the late King Peter and renounced his rights to the throne in 1909. His extraordinary behavior, manifested in a supreme disregard for social etiquette, won for him the sobriquet of "the hotspur of Europe," and the conviction that he was mad. On one occasion, it is related, he was bounced out of a Belgrade music hall for flinging champagne bottles at the orchestra leader. On two occasions he was banished from the country, but each time he returned and was allowed to remain. It is now charged that he has been financing Republicans.

Personally brave, reckless by nature, the War showed him up to the best advantage. At one time a Serbian detachment was menaced by a strong Austrian force. The Prince sprang to the head of the dispirited troops and called upon them to advance, but the men, not recognizing him, hesitated. The Prince turned, roared: "Men, I am George of Serbia. All those who are not afraid, follow me. Charge!" Defeat was changed into victory, but the Prince was seriously wounded.