12 SEPTEMBER 1931, Page 3

Yugoslavia Much as we dislike Dictatorships in civilized lands, we

have been bound to admit the practical value of some examples since the War. But we may rejoice at the end of any one, and also applaud the wisdom of those • who can lay down power with dignity while they are still successfully wielding it. King Alexander and his advisers have shown this wisdom, and we wish well to him and his Triune Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In that name lies the difficulty of the country; the reconciliation of different nationalities under one Crown. There was little harmony under the Single Chamber democracy, which had a fair trial. The Serbs were dominant in Belgrade ; the Croats considered themselves superior in Zagreb, and so on : the police tortured prisoners for political ends, and revolvers went off fatally in the Skupshtina. Two years ago the King took upon himself to rule directly, and his rule has been successful ; obviously he had good advisers. Now he grants a new Constitution with two Chambers. He reserves the Royal prerogative for many purposes and keeps the nomination of a large portion of the Upper Chamber, but the people are to try again to govern themselves with a little more experience and a little less advanced democracy. * * *