History of the World War, Volume 3 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest warMarch, Francis A., Jr.
History
History of the World War, Volume 3 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest war
March, Francis A., Jr.
World War, 1914-1918
The five members were received by the King in the red room at the Royal
Palace and chairs had been placed for them around a big table. The King
entered the room, accompanied by Prince Boris, the heir apparent, and
his secretary, M. Boocovitch.
“Be seated, gentlemen,” said the King, as he sat down himself, as if
for a very quiet talk. His secretary took a seat at the table, a little
apart to take notes, but the conversation immediately became so heated
and rapid that he was unable to write it down.
The first to speak was M. Malinoff, leader of the Democratic party,
who said: “The policy adopted by the Government is one of adventure,
tending to throw Bulgaria into the arms of Germany, and driving her to
attack Serbia. This policy is contrary to the aspirations, feeling and
interests of the country, and if the Government obstinately continues
in this way it will provoke disturbances of the greatest gravity.”
It was the first allusion to the possibility of a revolution, but the
King listened without flinching. M. Malinoff concluded: “For these
reasons we beg your Majesty, after having vainly asked the Government,
to convoke the Chamber immediately, and we ask this convocation for the
precise object of saving the country from dangerous adventures by the
formation of a coalition Ministry.”
The King remained silent, and, with a nod, invited M. Stambulivski to
speak. M. Stambulivski was a leader of the Agrarian party, a man of
sturdy, rustic appearance, accustomed to speak out his mind boldly, and
exceedingly popular among the peasant population. He grew up himself
as a peasant, and wore the laborer’s blouse up till very recently. He
stood up and looking the King straight in the face said in resolute
tones: “In the name of every farmer in Bulgaria I add to what M.
Malinoff has just said, that the Bulgarian people hold you personally
responsible more than your Government, for the disastrous adventure of
1913. If a similar adventure were to be repeated now its gravity this
time would be irreparable. The responsibility would once more fall on
your policy, which is contrary to the welfare of our country, and the
nation would not hesitate to call you personally to account. That there
may be no mistake as to the real wishes of the country I present to
your Majesty my country’s demand in writing.”
He handed the King a letter containing the resolution voted by the
Agrarians. The King read it and then turned to M. Zanoff, leader of the
Radical Democrats, and asked him to speak. M. Zanoff did so, speaking
very slowly and impressively, and also looking the King straight in the
face: “Sire, I had sworn never again to set foot inside your palace,
and if I come today it is because the interests of my country are above
personal questions, and have compelled me. Your Majesty may read what
I have to say in this letter, which I submit to you in behalf of our
party.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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