Q2 1903; VIENNA
-- Doubt is expressed in political circles whether Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria will have the courage to return to
Sofia at the present critical juncture of affairs. It is even hinted that he may never return to the principality.
This doubt has been increased by the receipt of two telegrams from Bulgaria this evening. The first announces that the Prince, who is in Paris, has been attacked with a violent inflammation of the throat, which causes him great difficulty in breathing. The second telegram tells of the publication at Varna of a pamphlet accusing the Prince of having betrayed the ideals of his fatherland and containing threats of personal violence. This pamphlet is being circulated in Bulgaria and Hungary.
The Prime Minister of Bulgaria has telegraphed to Prince Ferdinand, urgently requesting him to return immediately to Sofia. The failure of Prince Ferdinand to return to his country in time for the laying of the foundation for the monument at Plevna has excited a great deal of comment, as did his trip to the Riviera en route to Paris. The Prince's position is a very difficult one, and also, it is believes, a perilous one.
Briefly, the Prince's position is this: If he does what his people wants he risks war with Turkey; if he goes counter to their wishes he is in danger of assassination. It is then, no surprise that he may not return without serious prodding by the Great Powers who established him there.
This doubt has been increased by the receipt of two telegrams from Bulgaria this evening. The first announces that the Prince, who is in Paris, has been attacked with a violent inflammation of the throat, which causes him great difficulty in breathing. The second telegram tells of the publication at Varna of a pamphlet accusing the Prince of having betrayed the ideals of his fatherland and containing threats of personal violence. This pamphlet is being circulated in Bulgaria and Hungary.
The Prime Minister of Bulgaria has telegraphed to Prince Ferdinand, urgently requesting him to return immediately to Sofia. The failure of Prince Ferdinand to return to his country in time for the laying of the foundation for the monument at Plevna has excited a great deal of comment, as did his trip to the Riviera en route to Paris. The Prince's position is a very difficult one, and also, it is believes, a perilous one.
Briefly, the Prince's position is this: If he does what his people wants he risks war with Turkey; if he goes counter to their wishes he is in danger of assassination. It is then, no surprise that he may not return without serious prodding by the Great Powers who established him there.



