The Servian Government is devoting itself to the strength. ening
and reorganising of its Army, and has now 160,000 men, Reserves included, all provided with the newest rifles. Every State in the Eastern Peninsula is doing the same thing, except Greece, which never has any money to spare ; and it is curious to notice how, in the small world of the Balkans, the old condition of Europe is reproduced. Every State is hungering for acquisitions, and fiercely jealous of its neighbours ; alliances are constantly proposed, but seldom come off ; the dynastic interests are as strong as the political interests ; and statesmen discuss every event in reference to its effect on " the balance of power in the Peninsula." The grand difference seems to be the almost entire absence of aristocratic influence, which throws personal power almost exclusively into the hands of soldiers and of the agents of foreign States, and makes money far too important in affairs. In the Balkans, when a scandal occurs, men do not ask, " Who is the lady P " but, " Who pays the money P"
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