The Bulgarian Deputation were only received by Lord Iddes- leigh
unofficially, and he made practically no reply to them whatever. They were, however, invited to his country house, and in society every possible sympathy is shown them. Their story is now, in public and private, always the same,—that they would prefer Prince Alexander, but are aware that he is impossible; that they abandon the idea of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg; and that they will accept any Prince approved by Europe, provided he is in any way worthy of Bulgaria. They reject, however, the idea of Prince Nicholas of Mingrelia. It is said that a native candidate has at last been found ; but experience seems to show that a native subject, to become a Prince, must have led in battle. We can remember no breach of that unwritten rule in Europe during modern history,—a curious proof of the radical barbarism of man. The statesman may never hope for the Throne which the rudest soldier yet may win.
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