KING ROOSEVELT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144133, 1 July 1913, Page 7

KING ROOSEVELT.

ALBANIAN THRONE JOKE. The New York fVorld publishes a-re-markable interview with Kemal Bey, the chief Albanian delegate in the London conference, in winch the jocular suggestion is made that Mr. Roosevelt should become a candidate for the throne of the now kingdom of Albania. Kemal, who is at present the president of the provisional Albanian Government, is himself a candidate for the new throne. , • The. London correspondent of the New York World telegraphs“lf Mr. Roosevelt desires tlio kingship of Albania we shall put him ahead of all other candidates who have been named. I myself would certainly vote for ; him. Boosevelt is the most extraordinary wain in the world to-day, by nature on a higher plane than mere princes.” This was the emphatic statement made by Ismail Kemal, Provisional President of Albania? at\d loader of the delegation from the Albanian people authorised to find them a ruler acceptable to the Ambassadorial Conference of the Powers. ■

Kemal, a white-haired, whiter bearded gentleman, with slow, dignified speech and courtly manner, asked with a smile; “But why should Boosevelt cane about becoming ruler of Albania when he already is almost king in his own country?” I explained ithat the prospect of the Albanian kingship seemed more immediately tangible, and suggested some of Mr. Roosevelt's peculiar qualifications. For instance, he would be entirely untramellod by European influences. ■ Kemal agreed, saying: “What you urge is true. Roosevelt would be free from influences, dynastic and otherwise, such as would beset others named, who might have their own axes to Srind.” It was next pointed but that hosevelt possessed great strength of character, would stand no nonsense from abroad, and was like the Albanians themselves, a born fighter. Kemal replied: “True, true. Roosevelt is a great man. Courageous and upright, he possesses exactly the characteristics suitable for our king. He is an extraordinary man, fit to cope with an extraordinary situation. He is just the man my country needs at this moment. Mr. Roosevelt has only to approach us. I don’t propose him, but if he will propose himself, that is a different matter. You have suggested his name to me. My answer is; ‘Why not ?’ There is none more fitted than he to ascend our throne. I tell you if Boosevelt will suggest himself we will put him in front of all the others. No, there is no special form of etiquette to be observed in presenting his candidacy.” Kemal’s son added, enthusiastically: “If he does consent to stand, I will go and fetch him.” Then a momentary doubt seemed to seize Kemal, who-ask-ed: “But would be have sufficient money ? I have never heard he is one of America’s millionaires. He would need thousands of dollars to maintain a Court, even in Albania.” . I ventured to suggest the Republican Party, out of gratitude for Mr. Roosevelt’s past services, would doubtless be willing to subsidise him as long as he remained in Albania. Kama! rejoined: “Ah I That is well. I hope Roosevelt will avail himself of the opening we give him to become the ruler of our country. If a Coburg becomes _ Sovereign of Bulgaria, and a Dano rider of Greece, why should not an American be elected King of Albania?"