The King remained silent, and, with a nod, invited M. Stambulivski to speak.  M. Stambulivski was a leader of the Agrarian party, a man of sturdy, rustic appearance, accustomed to speak out his mind boldly, and exceedingly popular among the peasant population.  He grew up himself as a peasant, and wore the laborer’s blouse up till very recently.  He stood up and looking the King straight in the face said in resolute tones:  “In the name of every farmer in Bulgaria I add to what M. Malinoff has just said, that the Bulgarian people hold you personally responsible more than your Government, for the disastrous adventure of 1913.  If a similar adventure were to be repeated now its gravity this time would be irreparable.  The responsibility would once more fall on your policy, which is contrary to the welfare of our country, and the nation would not hesitate to call you personally to account.  That there may be no mistake as to the real wishes of the country I present to your Majesty my country’s demand in writing.”

He handed the King a letter containing the resolution voted by the Agrarians.  The King read it and then turned to M. Zanoff, leader of the Radical Democrats, and asked him to speak.  M. Zanoff did so, speaking very slowly and impressively, and also looking the King straight in the face:  “Sire, I had sworn never again to set foot inside your palace, and if I come today it is because the interests of my country are above personal questions, and have compelled me.  Your Majesty may read what I have to say in this letter, which I submit to you in behalf of our party.”

He handed the letter and the King read it and still remained silent.  Then he said, turning to his former Prime Minister and ablest politician:  “Gueshoff, it is now your turn to speak.”

M. Gueshoff got up and said:  “I also am fully in accord with what M. Stambulivski has just said.  No matter how severe his words may have been in their simple unpolished frankness, which ignores the ordinary formalities of etiquette, they entirely express our unanimous opinion.  We all, as representing the opposition, consider the present policy of the Government contrary to the sentiments and interests of the country, because by driving it to make common cause with Germany it makes us the enemies of Russia, which was our deliverer, and the adventure into which we are thus thrown compromises our future.  We disapprove most absolutely of such a policy, and we also ask that the Chamber be convoked, and a Ministry formed with the co-operation of all parties.”

After M. Gueshoff, the former Premier, M. Daneff also spoke, and associated himself with what had already been said.

The King remained still silent for a while, then he, also, stood up and said:  “Gentlemen, I have listened to your threats, and will refer them to the President of the Council of Ministers, that he may know and decide what to do.”

All present bowed, and a chilly silence followed.  The King had evidently taken the frank warning given him as a threat to him personally, and he walked up and down nervously for a while.  Prince Boris turned aside to talk with the Secretary, who had resumed taking notes.  The King continued pacing to and fro, evidently very nettled.  Then, approaching M. Zanoff, and as if to change the conversation, he asked him for news about this season’s harvest.