Harun-al-Carol

Like Harun-al-Raschid and the Mayor of Philadelphia (see p. 15), H. M. Carol II, Rumania's buck-toothed ruler, sorely in need of personal popularity, last week disguised himself and went forth among his people to see how his country was running.

With a pair of aides-de-camp, King Carol descended upon the police stations of Bucharest. First station visited was locked. After knocking many times H. M. was answered by a gruff voice: "What the hell do you want? Wait your turn!" The aides assisted His Majesty in kicking in the door, discovered the chief of the station house "questioning" an alleged pickpocket by stringing him up by the thumbs. The prisoner, quickly cut down, earnestly announced himself a lifelong follower of King Carol.

Second stop was a tax administration office with which Harun-al-Carol had no cause for complaint. Third and fourth stops were a casualty reception depot and another police station, both closed for the day. In little black books the aides entered the names of all delinquent officials for immediate dismissal. Back to the palace went King Carol, feeling he had done something to earn his night's repose.

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