GREECE'S NEW KING.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1743, 7 May 1913, Page 3

GREECE'S NEW KING.

HIS CAREER IN THE ARMY. Ono of the most striking incidents in tho career of ICing Constantine, Greece's new ruler, who has all along proved himself a keen soldier, was in IDOU, when at tho time of tho Cretan disturbances M. Rallis, as Premier, entered office with a programme of thorough military and economic reforms. The officers of the army, however, took tho matter in their own hands, and formed a "Military Leaguo" to effect the same purpose. On August 28 tho officers comprising the League, over 500 in number, occupied a hill overlooking Athens in force, and sent k. memorandum to M. Rallis embodying their demands. M. Mavromichalis was appointed Premier in M. Rallis's place, but on the officers' demands being granted they issued a manifesto respectfully asking ICing George and tho Government to carry out radical reforms, and especially to proceed with the reorganisation of the army and navy, "in order that Grecco might not have to undergo further humiliations such as she had.had to tolerate in tho past." The commands held by tho Royal Princes in the army and navy were considered by the Leaguo to lie prejudicial to their "own prestige and to tho accomplishment of their duties. They consequently insisted that King Constantino, then "Crown Prince, who was then Commander-in-Chief of the army, and the other Royal Princes should not hold any command. On September li the Crown Prince petitioned the Minister for War asking to bo placed 011 the retired list. Tho petition was granted, tho Military Leaguo taking the view that the position of the Princes in tho army was irresponsible, arid their rapid promotion over tho heads of their seniors -had produced ill-feoling. At the time the popularity of the Princo- was shown by- tho loud cheers with which the people greeted him at Patras and Corfu when he decided to leavo for Germany. That this feeling is maintained was shown last rear, conspicuously 011 April 0, during tho Congress of Orientalists at Athens. The Royal decree giving effect to the appointment of tho Crown Prince as In-spector-General of the troops was published on that morning and created great ■enthusiasm. The Crown Prince aowinpanied the late King to the eahitiiig point afterwards, and took part ill tho inarch past at tho head of the Seventh Regiment of Infantry, of which ho was tho honorary commander.