OATH TO BOY KING

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 19, 22 July 1927, Page 9

OATH TO BOY KING

HOW FERDINAND DIED

ROLE OF PRINCE CAROL

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) BUCHABEST, 20th July. . There was an historic ceremony at 6 o'clock in the evening, when the three members of the Regency took the oath to the boy King and Constitution. A solemn session of Parliament was held, at which the six-year ruler was present and kissed the Holy Cross, whereupon the President of the Senate shouted "Long Live King Michael the First." The boy stepped forward with military precision and saluted the Assembly, which burst into huzzas. The body of King Ferdinand has been embalmed and placed • on a bier, which the Queen decorated with flowers, pending its transference to the capital, where it will lie in state. King Ferdinand died in the arms of Queen Marie. He had an agonising end struggling to the last against suffocation, m the presence of all the Eoyal Family except Prince Carol. He was kept alive for the last forty-eight hours by strychnine, though his wonderful fighting spirit helped to keep doath at bay. His last words were: "I feel very tired." No political trouble is expected, though a section of the people are not averse to Prince. Carol'a return as King. The fear that a section of the army might not prove loyal to the new regime necessitated an army order that all ranks must take the oath of allegiance at' sundown. Places of amusement have been ordered to be closed,until further notice, all meetings are forbidden,- and the newspapers are placed under censorship. ' •'" ■"" LONDON, 21st July. The "Daily News" says that, though tho Rumanian King's illness aroused fears of grave disturbances, there is a general belief that the Government is strong enough to cope with any trouble whether, arising from a movement in favour of Prince Carol or party strife. The Government is taking no chances. Troops are confined to barracks, and public buildings are strongly guarded.