SERBIA'S BABY.

Shannon News, 28 December 1923, Page 2

SERBIA'S BABY.

AMUSING CHRISTENING GIFTS

DECORATED FOWL AND DINAR,

The birth of an heir to the house of Karageorgeovitch has caused great rejoicings in most parts of Jugoslavia, although the republican Croa. tians may view the matter differently, writes a Belgrade correspondent of the " Observer." Congratulations and presents are still pouring in, and, as is not surprising- in a simple peasant coimtry, many of thorn are amusing. One old feIIOAV from a far away village sends a Serbian five-dinar silver piece a treasure never to be seen now, and states that it is for the young prince "to buy himself a maid, according to our Serbian custom." But perhaps the most picturesque of the baby prince's presents is that of an old gipsy, who has brought him a gailyfeathered cock bedecked with ribbons in true gipsy style. There is some excitement, too, at the prospect that the Duke of York " kum," or " god-brother " to the King (according to Serbian marriage customs), and who should be god-father to the prince, may come again to Belgrade on the occasion of the christening: The British Danube Flotilla gave its honor to King Alexander's first son by sending a monitor, the Glowworm, with messages of congratulation, on the very day of the birth. On Sunday the little Glowworm was open to the Serbian public in the after noon, and much interest, was shown, notably, so the " Politika" avers, at the traditional spotless white woodwork and gleaming brass of the British ship. The accuracy, too, with I which the ship's gangway from the quay was let down at the appointed hour astonished the sightseers, and "Politikx" assures its readers "(hat a barge number of visitors were able to set their watches by it.

According to all reports the young prince of Jugo-Slavia will be named after his grandfather, Peter 1., and this proposal meets with warm approval in all ranks of the Serbian people.