At the time of his accession the Russian element, as has been shown, was strong in the Ministry.  Sleftcha and the Metropolitan were her principal agents.  It was to be expected, therefore, that he would adhere to the family principles, and sell himself body and soul to his great benefactor.  But it frequently happens that persons who have risen to unexpected eminence turn upon those by whom they have been raised.  This would appear to be somewhat the case with Prince Michael, who certainly does not show the same devotion to Russia as did his father.  It may be that he has not noted in the foreign policy of that power the disinterestedness which she so loudly professes.  If such be his views, who can controvert them?  To the character of the man, combined with his peculiarly irresponsible condition (owing to the guarantee), may be ascribed his present line of conduct.  Ambitious, obstinate, and devoted to intrigue, his character is no more that of a mere puppet than it is of one likely to attain to any great eminence.  At first, it must be acknowledged that he played into the hands of Russia most unreservedly.  No endeavours were spared to stir up discontent and rebellion in the surrounding provinces.  Little credit is due to the sagacity of those by whom these machinations were contrived.  For example, petitions were sent to all the foreign consulates purporting to come from the Christian subjects of Turkey on the frontiers of Bosnia and Bulgaria, and setting forth the miserable condition to which they had been reduced by Mussulman oppression.  The sympathy which might have been felt for the sufferers was somewhat shaken by attendant circumstances, which threw doubts on the authenticity of the letters.  It appears that these arrived from the two frontiers by the same post, while, on comparison, they were found to be almost identical in form and wording.

Great results were also anticipated from the Emigration movement, to which the early part of 1861 was devoted.  Russia, while endeavouring to promote the emigration of Bulgarians to the Crimea, did not discourage the efforts of Servia to induce them to cross her frontier with the view of settling.  Several thousands did so, and these came principally from the Pachaliks of Widdin and Nish.  Amongst these were many criminals and outlaws, who were admitted by the Servians, in violation of their charter.  Considerable excitement prevailed, and subscriptions were set on foot for their benefit, but the movement appears to have died a natural death, as nothing is now heard of it.  The emigres cannot have been too well satisfied with the position in which they found themselves, since the greater number soon returned whence they came, in spite of Mussulman oppression.