PAVING THE WAY FOR HIM.
It is understood that at the final sitting of the Sobranje it was decided to submit to Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg the following memorandum of terms for his acceptance:—
That he shall forward, together with his references, his photograph on approval.
On it being notified to him that these have been considered satisfactory, he shall state whether he understands the confidence and three-card tricks, and also what acquaintance he possesses with the heavier feats of advanced leger-de-main that would warrant his active intervention in the diplomatic intrigues of Eastern Europe.
That he shall provide his own crown, which must be a decidedly showy affair, and should be so constructed as, by a little manipulation, it could, in any sudden outbreak of popular fury, be made to assume the appearance of an ordinary top-hat.
That his coronation-robe should be reversible, and, when turned inside out, serve as a dressing-gown that would be available for night surprises of a revolutionary character.
That he should be supplied with six bullet-proof shirts, to be worn on important State occasions, and have not less than twelve complete theatrical disguises for purposes of escaping with his life beyond the frontiers after the passing of unpopular measures.
That he will be expected to have sufficient command of the Russian language to enable him to indite an occasional defiant and offensive epistle to the Czar as occasion may require.
That he must understand that his household will be composed partly of traitors, whom, however, as the Government will see that his bedroom door is provided with an extra bolt, he need only keep carefully under his eye during the daytime.
That the salary for discharging the above functions will be £200 per annum, payable quarterly in advance, and guaranteed as recoverable by personal service, on the properties of the unpopular chiefs of the Opposition.