IT is understood that at the final sitting of the Sobranje it was
decided to submit to Prince FERDINAND of Saxe-Coburg the following
memorandum of terms for his acceptance:--
That he shall forward, together with his references, his photograph on
approval.
On it being notified to him that these have been considered
satisfactory, he shall state whether he understands the confidence and
three-card tricks, and also what acquaintance he possesses with the
heavier feats of advanced _leger-de-main_ that would warrant his active
intervention in the diplomatic intrigues of Eastern Europe.
That he shall provide his own crown, which must be a decidedly showy
affair, and should be so constructed as, by a little manipulation, it
could, in any sudden outbreak of popular fury, be made to assume the
appearance of an ordinary top-hat.
That his coronation-robe should be reversible, and, when turned inside
out, serve as a dressing-gown that would be available for night
surprises of a revolutionary character.
That he should be supplied with six bullet-proof shirts, to be worn on
important State occasions, and have not less than twelve complete
theatrical disguises for purposes of escaping with his life beyond the
frontiers after the passing of unpopular measures.
That he will be expected to have sufficient command of the Russian
language to enable him to indite an occasional defiant and offensive
epistle to the CZAR as occasion may require.
That he must understand that his household will be composed partly of
traitors, whom, however, as the Government will see that his bedroom
door is provided with an extra bolt, he need only keep carefully under
his eye during the daytime.
That the salary for discharging the above functions will be L200 per
annum, payable quarterly in advance, and guaranteed as recoverable by
personal service, on the properties of the unpopular chiefs of the
Opposition.
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