"You can imagine how I have followed the march of political events. The consequence of the unhappy Peace of Berlin will probably be that we, i.e., the Russians, shall soon have to draw sword again. Should we then be comrades in arms once more? Probably not!
"What do you think of Dondukow's doings? Here in Jugenheim I am too far away to be able to form an opinion, and the papers contain nothing but lies; the events in Bulgaria interest me greatly, as secret inquiries continue to reach me from time to time."
The first ambassador to the Roumanian Court, Count Hoyos, was sent by Austria, an example soon followed by Turkey, and later on by Russia, who raised the rank of its representative first from Consul-General to Resident Minister, and then to Ambassador. In return, the Diplomatic Agents of Roumania in Vienna, St. Petersburg, and Constantinople were created Ambassadors. A very friendly understanding with Turkey was now initiated, and proved to be of great advantage to Roumania during the transactions of the Frontier Commission, which was presided over by the former State. In strict accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Berlin, the frontier line was fixed close to the gates of Silistria, in spite of the immediate protests of the Russian Commissary, who succeeded in delaying a final settlement for a period of years.
On November 26, 1878, the Roumanians proceeded to take possession of the Dobrudscha, and were received with the greatest enthusiasm, to the surprise of the Austrian Emperor, whose experience in Bosnia had led him to advise Prince Charles not to garrison the Dobrudscha with less than a Division.
The first anniversary of Plevna was marked by the issue of a stirring Army Order by Prince Charles, who also exchanged warm congratulations by telegraph with the Czar and the Archduke Nicholas.
Rumours in the Press pointed to the probable selection of Prince Alexander of Battenberg for the newly created throne of Bulgaria, whilst the selection of Prince Charles also received public support. In reply to his Ministers, who considered that his candidature was desirable, Prince Charles remarked that the moment for such a step had passed. Not against, but only with the aid of Russia could such a candidature succeed!
Although the Chamber and Senate at first supported the speedy convocation of a Constituante, months elapsed before the three readings took place in the Chamber before proceeding to a dissolution to allow the elections to take place.
The third reading did not take place till April 5, 1879, after Prince Bismarck had in a somewhat threatening manner requested to be informed when the Jewish question was to be settled. This question was transmitted through Austria-Hungary, the Roumanian representative in Berlin being passed over!
In addition to this pressing question of the Jewish franchise, the old trouble about the re-purchase of the Strousberg Railway Line was raised by Germany, which roundly declared that her attitude in future depended on this measure being carried out.