RUPERT'S JOURNAL--_Continued_.
_April_ 15, 1909.
The arbitrator's decision has been communicated to us through theChancellor of the Western King, who brought it to us himself as a specialact of friendliness. It met with the enthusiastic approval of all. ThePremier remained with us during the progress of the hunting-party, whichwas one of the most joyous occasions ever known. We are all of goodheart, for the future of the Balkan races is now assured. Thestrife--internal and external--of a thousand years has ceased, and welook with hope for a long and happy time. The Chancellor broughtmessages of grace and courtliness and friendliness to all. And when I,as spokesman of the party, asked him if we might convey a request of HisMajesty that he would honour us by attending the ceremony of making knownformally the Balkan Settlement, he answered that the King had authorizedhim to say that he would, if such were wished by us, gladly come; andthat if he should come, he would attend with a fleet as an escort. TheChancellor also told me from himself that it might be possible to haveother nationalities represented on such a great occasion by Ambassadorsand even fleets, though the monarchs themselves might not be able toattend. He hinted that it might be well if I put the matter in train.(He evidently took it for granted that, though I was only one of several,the matter rested with me--possibly he chose me as the one to whom tomake the confidence, as I was born a stranger.) As we talked it over, hegrew more enthusiastic, and finally said that, as the King was taking thelead, doubtless all the nations of the earth friendly to him would liketo take a part in the ceremony. So it is likely to turn out practicallyan international ceremony of a unique kind. Teuta will love it, and weshall all do what we can.