The situation in Bucharest is evidently growing strained. The elections
ended in a great victory for M. Bratiaxio ; but the Opposition, who are Russian in sympathy, have been irri- tated almost to the point of insurrection. On Sunday a great meeting was dispersed by the armed police, and on Monday the populace made a rush into the Chamber, killed a doorkeeper, and fought with the guard till they were driven out. The Opposition declare that the Ministry have falsified the elec- tions, and are shielding officials accused of disgraceful malver- sations ; and these charges appear to have some foundation. It is nearly impossible, however, to effect a change of Ministry without placing the country in Russian hands ; and M. Bratiano, a determined man, threatens to govern with a state of siege. In these circumstances, it is not impossible that King Charles, despairing of a Ministry at once upright and sound in foreign affairs, may take the reins of government into his own hands, and govern the country for himself. His constitutional powers are great, and if the Army approves, he may, during the crisis produced by the prospect of war, be able to wield dictatorial authority without incurring the risk of insurrection. The Viennese Press attributes all the disturbances to Russia, but it is more probable that Russia also utilises an internal discontent.
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