A scandal is occurring in Servia, supposed to be of
high political importance. King Milan married in 1875 a girl of sixteen, the daughter of a Russian Colonel, with whom he fell in love, and with whom he lived on fair terms for many years. Queen Natalie, however, remained Russian in feeling, and having grievances against her husband, tried to play a political role. She succeeded, is now head of the Russian party in Servia, and recommends her husband's abdication in favour of his son, with herself as Regent. King Milan will no longer endure this, and has demanded from the Synod and the Supreme Court a decree of divorce, on the ground of "insuperable aversion," which, it seems, is recog- nised in Servia, as in some German States, as sufficient justification. It is said that the decree has been granted, but as Queen Natalie has not been heard, except in protest against the whole proceeding, that is improbable. The incident, in which both parties appear to be blameable, the Queen being personally without stain but politically dangerous, and the King having grounds for any proceeding except divorce, will greatly intensify party passion in Servia, and perhaps shake the Throne. King Milan, however, is one of the men in whom adroitness makes up for higher qualities, and his authority survives much.
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