Legation of the United States,
Athens, May 12,
1903.
No. 7, Servian series.]
[Inclosure.]
memorandum.
The Servian constitution now in force is that which was granted the
country by King Alexander on April 6–19, 1901.
Under this constitution the influence of the radical party had
gradually increased to such an extent that the King thought it was
dangerous to the welfare of the country. For some time there were
rumors to the effect that a new constitution was in contemplation
and would probably be put into force on the anniversary of its
predecessor. More or less excitement was caused by these reports,
and in consequence the King determined to act at once.
On the afternoon of March 24–April 6 last a royal proclamation was
issued to the Servian people, explaining the King’s views of the
situation, suspending the constitution referred to above, annuling
the ukase of April 6, 1901, and all subsequent ukases relating to
the election of senators, retiring all the members of the council of
state, dissolving the Skupshtina (national chamber of deputies),
annuling the election of all senators chosen for the period
1901–1906, annuling various laws relating to the liberty of the
press, the election of deputies, etc., and putting into force
certain laws which had previously been repealed.
The next morning a second proclamation was issued, putting the same
constitution in force again, and directing the life senators to
elaborate a provisional law for the election of senators and
deputies, who should hold office, respectively, until September,
1909, and May, 1907.
The date for the elections has been fixed for the first part of June.
It is considered probable that the Radical members of the Government
(four ministers, I believe) will soon withdraw from the cabinet.
