The History of Servia and the Servian Revolution

Front matter

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Preface To The History Of Servia

BY THE TRANSLATOR.

THE eminent position assigned to Professor Ranke among modern historians renders any tribute to his distinguished merits superfluous, and, at the same time, affords a sufficient guarantee for the authenticity of every production emanating from such high authority.

No subject elucidated by the researches of Ranke can be otherwise than valuable ; and the Revolution of Servia is one of greater interest and importance than may at first sight appear.

The geographical position of Servia, between Turkey and Austria, and forming, with the neighbouring countries, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Wallachia, and Moldavia, a border-land between two great empires of opposite creeds, has made this country the seat of a protracted struggle between European civilization and Oriental despotism—between the Christian and Mahomedan religions.

In the midst of these conflicting forces, the Servians present the interesting spectacle of a brave, hardy, and simple people, contending for national independence and religious freedom, Christians in faith, and subjected to the cruel persecutions of their infidel oppressors, their efforts to throw off the Moslem yoke met with little encouragement from Christign nations ; except so far as they could be made instrumental in checking the encroachments, or counteracting the policy of other powers.

The Servians are too little known to the rest of Europe. While the other countries of Europe have been overrun by the herd of English tourists, Servia and the neighbouring , states separating Austria from Turkey are almost terra wi-— a2

836% iv PREFACE.

cognita ; even to the travellers who visit Vienna and Con- | stantinople. And though steamboats ply on the Danube, | Mr. Paton is as yet the only writer who has made English | readers acquainted with Servia :* to the ability and intelligence of this gentleman the English public are indebted for | a lively and faithful account of the present state of the | Servians and their country.

Viewing them as a Christian people subjected to an infidel despotism, the Servians excite a sympathy that ought to be | extended to the Bulgarians also. Professor Ranke, in a j letter to the translator of this work, expresses a hope “that | his History of the Servians may excite in our mighty nation an interest for the Christians under Turkish rule.” This feeling influenced the translator in venturing upon a task, the difficulty of which would have induced her to shrink trom it had she not been animated and encouraged by an ardent hope of thus promoting the author’s views.

The almost legal exactness and judicial caution of Ranke, and the peculiarities of his style, which present many obstacles to the conscientious translator, characterize the present beyond any of the other works by the same author. This may be accounted for, partly by the vague and frag- | mentary character of the materials, and partly by those minute details of circumstances where effects appear disproportioned to causes. For it is a prevailing characteristic of all revolutionary periods, that great events arise out of seemingly trivial accidents ; and the springs of action in national movements must often be sought for in the breast of an individual, or in the latent feelings of & small and yet uncivilized community.

This work, though professing only to treat of “the Revo- Jution in Servia,” and occupied chiefly with the most stirring and recent period of its history, is, however, not limited to. the revolutionary era: the “Retrospective Sketch” of the Servians to which the earlier chapters are devoted, gives as complete an account of the rise and fall of the nation as is’ necessary to enable the reader to understand the position of. affairs at the commencement of their struggle for independ-. ence. Perhaps it may even be as satisfactory a picture as.

* Servia, the Youngest Member of the European Family. Long-| mans, 1845. |

PREFACE, v any that could be drawn through the veil of obscurity which shrouds the annals of Servia. Viewed as a whole, indeed, Ranke’s history is a valuable contribution to our very imperfect knowledge of a most interesting people: it exhibits in a striking manner the impotence of Moslem despotism, even when allied with warlike European powers, against the energies of a Christian people united in defence of their civil and religious liberties.

Servia—anciently a kingdom, then reduced to the state of a Turkish province almost without a name, and now a principality under the government of Georgewitsch, the son of their liberator Kara George—may be regarded as the precursor of the minor States of the Eastern corner of Europe, in their struggle for emancipation from ‘Turkish thraldom.

In all barbarous or semi-civilized states, there is a want of that high moral tone, which is the soul of national honour. Human life is held lightly ; the rights of property are not respected ; and individual will and might prevail.

‘¢ Sufficeth them the simple plan, That he should take who has the power, And he should keep who can.”’

This is painfully apparent throughout the history of Servia. The divine principle of Christianity, though stifled in the fierce conflict for existence, was not wholly extinct. But it is not until Christianity—a vital religion, purified from fanaticism and superstition—becomes firmly established in the hearts of a people and the institutions of a country, that the duties and rights of man can be fully understood and truly observed, or that the character and influence of woman can be rightly appreciated.

The History of Servia, as traced by Ranke, suggests the consideration of many and great truths, moral and political ; but it is beyond the province of the translator to enter upon

_ their discussion.

It may, however, be permitted her to remark that the subjection of Christian nations to the infidel yoke, is matter not merely for regret, but a subject that calls for the attention and active sympathy of the enlightened and powerful governments of Christendom. '

And in these days of enlightenment, when missionaries are diffusing the doctrines of Christianity among the heathen in vi PREFACE.

the remotest parts of the world, and the legislature is organ- | izing a comprehensive educational scheme for the people at | home, it is surely not unreasonable to hope that the condition of a Christian people so near to us as Servia, will excite the sympathy of their brethren in faith in this free country. The fanaticism of their Moslem rulers is so strongly opposed _ to every attempt of the Servians and Bulgarians to form — educational institutions, and even to acquire the elements of Christian knowledge, that it is only by foreign intervention —not the less effectual for being of a peaceful kind—that the means and opportunities so earnestly desired by the Christian population of these countries can be afforded them. The Turks have been intruders in Europe from the first ; grinding down the people, and impoverishing the countries which they overran; and warring alike against liberty, enlightenment, and Christianity. If we are to judge ofa faith and a government by their fruits, we should all unite in hoping that the Mahomedan religion and the obstructive despotism of the “ Sublime Porte” should yield to the now swiftly-advancing tide of Christian civilization.

67, Grosvenor Street, July, 1847.

To this, the Third Edition of Mrs. Kerr’s Translation of Professor Ranke’s History of Servia, the Publisher has added a translation of the same Author's sketch of the state of Bosnia; which, though slight, is the only available account of that country.

In the absence of any account by Professor Ranke of the other Slave Provinces of Turkey, it is hoped that the information contained in the concluding pages, derived chiefly from the work of Cyprien Robert, will be acceptable to the Public at the present time, when the attention of Europe is directed to the countries on the Danube,

H. G. B.

York Street, November 25th, 1852,

Contents

RANKE’S HISTORY OF SERVIA.

PREFACE... obs aie ees et Sis tee Page iii

CHAP. I,—-Rrerrospective SxetTcu oF THE RISE OF THE SERVIANS

The early Sclavonian Tribes.—First traces of the Servian Race.—View of Ancient Servia.—Relations of the Servians to the Greek Empire.— Stephan Boistlaw.—Constantine Monomachus.—The Grand Shupanes. —Crusade of Frederic Barbarossa at the close of the Twelfth Century. —Aversion of the Servians to the Western Church.—New Ecclesiastical Constitution in Servia.—The Servian Kings.—Conflict between the Latins and Greeks.—Stephan Dushan.—Increased Power of the Servians in the Fourteenth Century.—Progress of Civilization.—State of Transition.—Nationality of the Servian Laws aoe Neen |

CHAP. IJ.—Fauu or Servian Liserty.

Influence of the Roman Empire in the Fourteenth Century.—Death of Stephan Dushan.—Consequent Dissensions.—Encroachments of the Turks.—Battle of _Kossova.—Subjugation of the Servian State.—The Fifteenth Century.—Signal Defeat of the Servians near Varna, in 1444. —Spread of the Patarene Sect.—Surrender of Bosnian Fortresses to the Turks.—State of Servia in the Sixteenth Century.—Exaction of the Tribute of Boys.—The Peace of Passarovitz.—Orseni Czernovich. —Fate of Montenegro.—Insurrection of the Servians in 1737,—The Impostor Peter II1I.—Complete Subjugation of the Servians ... 14

CHAP. III.—OvurtineEs or THE TURKISH INSTITUTIONS IN SERVIA

Conflict between Islamism and Christianity.—Their Difference considered Politically, —The Janissaries.—State of the Rayahs or Native Inhabitants. —Turkish Imposts.—The Spahis.—State of Affairs at the Close of the Eighteenth Century.—Commercial Character of the Patriarchate at Constantinople.-—The Chimney Tax in Servia.—Turkish Dissensions. Servian Heyducs or Robbers.—Christians excluded from all Public Offices.—Oppression and Degradation of the Servians.—Preservation of the National Spirit aon de oes oa tee soonred

- vill CONTENTS.

CIIAP. 1V.—Conpirion, CHARACTER, AND PoETRY OF THE SERVIANS.

Servian Villages.—Tutelary Saints.—Brotherly and Sisterly Affection.— Mourning.—Remarkable Custom on the Death of a Brother.—Institution of “The Brotherhood.’’—Festival of the Garlands.—Marriage Ceremonies.—Revenge in Cases of Murder not known in Servia.— Village Communities.—Substitutes for Churches.—Poverty of the Priesthood.—Confession.— Dependent state of the Monks.—Cloisters. —National Church.—Veneration for Nature.—Festival in honour of the Dead.—Custom of the Women on St. George’s Eve.—Whitsuntide. —The Festival of the Kralize.—The Vili.—Festival of St. John.— Harvest.—Procession of the Dodola, a Form of Invocation for Rain.— Custom on the Eve of St. Barbara.—Swearing by the Sun and by the Earth.—Popular Servian Toast or Sentiment.—Remarkable Religious Celebration of Christmas.—Belief in Vampyres and Witches.—Personality of the Plague.— Powerful influence of the Vili.— Servian Poetry.—National and Heroic Songs.—The Gusle.—Festival Meetings. —Domestic Life of the People-—Songs of Husbandry.—Amatory Verse.—Celebration of Heroic Exploits.— Historical Ballads.—Mixture of the True and the Fabulous.—National Collection of Songs.—Wild Traditions. —Deeds of Hunyad ... dec aes sav, | PAZ aod

CHAP. V.—Onr1e Nn or THE RECENT MOVEMENTS IN TURKEY

Internal relations of Turkev and its Dependencies.—War of 1788.—The Emperor Joseph ot austria and tne Seryians.—?rrussian Policy.— Restoration of the Turkish Power in Servia.— Weakness and Hesitation of the Ottoman Government.—Reforms of Sultan Selim I1J.—French Officers in the Pay of the Turks.—Military Improvements.—Introduction of European Tactics.—The Janissaries.—Effects of the Changes adopted...

CHAP. VI.—OrieIn oF THE DistuRBANCES 1N SERVIA

The Janissaries of Belgrade. —The Dahis.—Ebu-Bekir, Pacha of Belgrade. —Assassination of the Aga, Deli Achmet.—Rise of Osman Passvan Oglu.—The Krdschalies.—Alexa Nenadovitsch, Grand Knes of Servia. —Pacha Hadji Mustafa —Return of the Janissaries to Belgrade.— Murder of the Knes, Ranko.—Death of the Pacha.—The Dahis.— Tyranny of the Janissaries.—Unsuccessful Revolt.—Address of the Servian Kneses to the Grand Signior.—Threats of the Sultan against the Dahis.—Horrible Slaughter of the Servians bythe Dahis ... 66

CHAP. VII.—InsurrectTion AGAINST THE Dants

Reaction among the Peasantry.—Divisions of Servia.—Meetings of the Servian Chiefs. —Kara George.—The Heyducs.— Veliko.— Jacob Nenadovitsch.—The Heyduc Kjurtshia.—Rapid Progress of the

CONTENTS. ix

Insurrection.—Kara George is elected Contuisider of the Servians.— - Affray between the Dahis and the Raya Guschanz Ali and the Krdschalies, — Defeat of the Turks.— Attack of Belgrade by the Army of the Schumadia.—Slaughter of a Troop of Heyducs.—Jacob Nenadovitsch and Kara George take the Fortress of Poscharevaz.—The Pacha of Bosnia joins the Servians.—Flight of the Dahis.—They are put to death by the Servians oe sR a AR ae ie Page 78

CHAP, VIII.—DEvEtopmMEnNT oF THE OpPposITION AGAINST THE GRAND SIGNIOR.

Condition of Servia.—Insurrection in the Bosnian Districts.—Death of the Heyduc Kiurtschia.—Mehemet Kapetan, of Svornik.--The Servians determine to solicit the Aid of a Foreign Power.—Mediation of Russia. —Negotiations at Constantinople.—Servian Statement of the Expenses of the last War.—Operations in the Southern Districts.—Repulse of Kara George at Karanovaz.—Enterprises of Jacob Nenadovitsch and Milan Obrenovitsch.—Surrender of Uschize.—Political and Military Reforms in Turkey.—The Janissaries.—The Sultan Selim III arrests the Servian Deputies.—Afiz Pacha of Nisch is ordered to disarm the Rayahs.—Stephen Schivkovitsch excites the Servians to resist.—They oppose the advance of Afiz.—His Retreat and Death ... wy C8

CHAP. IX.—Srervian War oF LIBERATION IN 1806 AND 1807

Hostilities in 1805.—Giuscha Vulitschevitsch, Voivode of Smederevo, is killed by the Turks.—The Servians take the Town of Smederevo.— Disturbances at Schabaz and Belgrade.—Renewed Determination of the Sultan to Disarm the Rayahs.—General Rising of the Servians.— Stojan Tschupitsch.— The Army of Haji Beg again appears in the Matschwa.—Nenadovitsch offers to negotiate—The Servian Deputies are detained by Haji Beg.—The People distrust their Chiefs, and refuse to keep the Field.—Arrival of Ibrahim Pacha at Nisch with a Bosnian Army of Forty Thousand Men.—Brilliant Success of Kara George.— Milosch Stoitschevitsch.—Conflict between the Servians and Turks near Schabaz.—Total Defeat of the Turks by Kara George.—Their disastrous Retreat.—Gallant Defence of the Fortress of Deligrade by Peter Dobrinjaz.—Peace is proposed by Ibrahim Pacha.—Negotiations at Constantinople-—The Servian Demands are advocated by Peter Itschko.—Conditions offered by the Porte.—European Relations in the Autumn of 1806.—The Turkish Government refuses to ratify the Conditions it had offered.Capture of Belgrade by Kara George.— Guschanz Ali evacuates the Citadel.—Treacherous Massacre of the Garrison of Belgrade.—Fall of Schabaz, and of Uschize.—Jacob Nenadovitsch endeavours to excite an Insurrection in Bosnia.—The Turks retire beyond the Drina.—Milenko.—Services of the Heyduc Veliko.— Improved Position of the Servians ae ae bee nou x CONTENTS.

% CHAP. X.—ForMaTION oF A SERVIAN GOVERNMENT.

Formation of a Servian Government. — Tendency towards Military Despotism.—Voivodes, Momkes, and Kneses.—Influence of Kara George.—The General Assembly, or Diet.—Constitution of the Civil Court called Sowiet (Council or Senate).—Establishment of Schools. —Courts of Justice.—Election of the Sowietniks, or Members of the Senate.—Influence of Mladen and Miloie in the Senate.—Arrival in Belgrade of Rodofinikin, the Russian Councillor of State.—Consequent Jealousies and Disputes.—Sketch of the Early Life of Kara George... ses ses ee x aoe ws rage JS

CHAP. XI.—Rewations or SERVIA TO THE GENERAL STATE OF EvuRoreE AND TURKEY

Turkey joins the Second Coalition against France.—Napoleon abandons his Scheme of an Eastern Empire.—The War of 1806.—French Influence at Constantinople.— Relations of the European Powers with Turkey.— Connexion of Russia with the Servians.—Opposing Parties in the Ottoman Empire.—Deposition of Selim IJI.—At the Peace of Tilsit, Buonaparte deserts the Cause of the Turks.—His Views regarding Turkey.—Recommencement of Hostilities between the Servians and Turks in 1809.—Servia is supported by Russia ... ae ss oe

CHAP. XII.—Campatens or 1809 anp 1810.—FARTHEST EXTENT OF THE BounDARIES

Enterprise of Knes Sima against Bosnia.—The Sword of Meho Orugdschitsch.— Kara George’s New Expedition.—Poetical Eulogium on Kara George.—Panic and Defeat of the Turks.—Jealousies between Peter Dobrinjaz and Miloie.—Stephen Singelitsch, Knes of Ressaver, blows up his Fort.—Successful Progress of the Turks.—Retreat of Kara George to the Frontier.—Heroism of the Heyduc Veliko.—The Turks possess themselves of the Country to the Right of the Morava. —Rodofinikin, the Russian Envoy, leaves Belgrade and crosses the Danube.—The Russian Army crosses the Lower Danube.—Repulse of the Turks.—Internal Disunion among the Servians.—Russian Proclamation on the Opening of the Campaign in 1810.—The Servians determine on the Conquest of the Kraina.—Churschid-Ali, the New Pacha of Nisch, approaches the Morava, with an Army of 30,000 men. —Fortresses taken and the Country laid waste by Churschid-Ali.— The Servians reinforced by a Detachment of 3000 men under Colonel O’Rourke.—Successes of the Servians.—Kara George marches to the Relief of Losnitza.—The Turks are defeated by the Servians.—Close of the Campaign ... as nie ae so fee wee «144

CHAP. XJII.—Crviz Dissensions.—MonarcuicaL Power.

Dissensions in the Camp of Losnitza.—Disputes at the Skupschtina in 1810.—Further Aid is solicited from Russia.—Peter Dobrinjaz excites the Russians against Kara George, and attempts to restrict his Power.— Kara George detects the Conspiracy against him.—He carries important

CONTENTS, x1

Resolutions in the Senate, and effects Great Changes.—Arrival of a Russian Regiment at Belgrade.—Veliko is gained over to the Party of Kara George.—Milenko, Peter Dobrinjaz, Schivkovitsch.—Milenko and Dobrinjaz are removed from their Military Commands, and subsequently exiled to Russia.—Milosch and Mladen.—The Power of the Gospodars is destroyed.—Kara George becomes Supreme Head of the State ef ne oo ae a ie fo Pages 155

CHAP. XIV.—Pracr or BucHareEstT

The Servians desire to obtain the Guarantee of a Foreign Power for the Security of their Rights.—Campaign of 1811.—The Grand Vizier offers to make Peace.—War between Russia and France in 1812.— Servia expressly noticed in the Treaty of Peace between Russia and Turkey.—Stipulations in her Favour.—Concentration of the Russian Force in Volhynia.—Disastrous Consequences to Servia.—Execution of Demetrius Morusi.—The Turks evade complying with the Terms of the Treaty.—Conference at Nisch in January, 1813.—Demands of the Turks.—Recommencement of Negotiations in May, 1813.—Renewed Contentions and Disputes.—The Turks recommence the War against the Servians eee eee 38 oo age eee cep 164

CHAP. XV.—War In ServiA IN THE YEAR 1813

Great European Conflict.—The Christian and the Islamite Principles represented in the Servians and the Turks.—Opinion of the French Ambassador at Constantinople respecting the Conduct of England.— Solemn Religious Meetings and Warlike Proclamations of the Servians. —Anticipated Aid of Russia.—Monarchical Government of Kara George.—Changes in the Servian Constitution.—Difference between the Present and Former Military Proceedings.— Character of the Heyduc Veliko.—First Collision of the Servians with the Turks.— Mladen’s jealousy of Veliko.—Death of Veliko in the Defence of Negotin.—Devastating Progress of the Turks on the Danube.— Junction of the Armies of the Grand Vizier and the Capitan Pacha.— Servian Prisoners conducted to Constantinople.—Continued Advance of the Turks.—Disastrous State of Servia.—Defection and Flight of Kara George.—The Turks take Possession of Smederevo and Belgrade . without Resistance eee Bus dee aoe ite ee Ch

CHAP. XVI.—RENEWED DoMINION OF THE TURKS

Evil Results of Evil Deeds.—Opposition of the Gospodars to Mladen and Miloie.—Flight of Kara George and the Servian Senators into Austria. —Kara George, Mladen, and other Chiefs, admitted into Austrian Fortresses.—Flight of the Garrison of Schabaz on the Approach of the Turks.—Milosch Obrenovitsch remains in the Country.—He garrisons Uschize.—The Turks invest him with Powers to tranquillize the Country.—He induces other Voivodes to submit.—Appointed by the Pacha of Belgrade to be Grand Knes of Rudnik, &c.—Return of the Expelled Spahis.—Oppression and Cruelty exercised by the Turks.— xii CONTENTS.

Affray between Turks and Servians.—Milosch disperses the Insurgents. —The Pacha disregards his Promises.—Barbarity of the Turks towards the Servians.—Fortunate Escape of Milosch from Belgrade.—Milosch places himself at the Head of a General Insurrection ... Page 186

CHAP. XVII.—Revo.utTion or Mitosca

Parentage and early Life of Milosch.—His honourable Conduct.— Treachery of the Voivode Arseni Lomo.—His Punishment.—The People solemnly swear to obey Milosch as their Leader.—War is determined on in the Spring of 1815.—Opposing Views amongst the Servians.—Arrival of Succour.—Predatory War on the Upper Morava. —Spread of the Insurrection.—Advantages gained by the Servians.— Flight of the Turks from a fortified Position on the Kolubara.— Milosch strengthens his Position at Ljubitsch.—The Turks attack the Place.—Retreat of the Turks.—Kindness and Generosity of Milosch to the Prisoners.—Capture of Poscharevaz, and Expulsion of the Turks.—Milosch puts to Flight the Force of the Bosnian Pacha on the Drina.—Magnanimity of the Servian Chief.—Two formidable Turkish Armies arrive on the Frontiers = See a IG

CHAP. XVIII.—Periop or PRELIMINARY NEGOTIATIONS

Servian Deputies coldly received by the Congress at Vienna.—Excitement of the whole Christian Population in Turkey.—The Two Turkish Armies halt on the Servian Frontier, and propose Negotiations.— Interview of Milosch with Churschid Ali.—Maraschli Ali is more favourably disposed towards the Servians.—Conciliatory Reception of Milosch and his Attendants, by the Pacha at Belgrade.—The Servians consent that the Turks shall again garrison the Fortresses.—Purport of Maraschli’s Concessions.—Those Concessions not sanctioned by the Divan at Constantinople.-—Consequent Disappointment of the Servians. —Renewed Oppression of the Turks.—Milosch is desired by the Pacha to deprive the People of their Arms.—Contentions amongst the Servian Chiefs.—National Assembly at Belgrade——New Regulations.—Appointment of Moler to be President of the National Assembly.— Quarrel between Milosch and Moler.—Condemnation and Execution of Moler.—Murder of the Servian Bishop, Niktschitsch.—Return of Kara George to Servia—Turkish Terror of ‘‘the Holy Alliance.”— Establishment of the Heteria, in 1816.—Assassination of Kara George, by the order of Milosch, and by the Hand of one of Wuiza’s Momkes.—Milosch vindicated from the Charge of having invited Kara George to return— Resolution of Milosch to become the Head of the State.—Acknowledged as Supreme Knes.—Differences between Turkey and Russia.—Conditions of the Peace of Bucharest, as regarded Servia, not fulfilled.—A Turkish Officer sent, in 1820, to specify the Concessions to be made to the Servians.—Apprehension of an Attempt on the Life of Milosch at Belgrade.—Despatch of a Servian Embassy to Constantinople.—Proposals of the Embassy.—The Members of the Embassy detained as Prisoners at Constantinople eee a PA

CONTENTS. xiii

CHAP. X1X.—InsritutTions AND RuLE or Mttoscu.

Courts of Justice—The Kneses.— Disagreements between them and Milosch.—He obtains the Control over them.—Revolt and Death of Gjurovitsch and Rathovitsch.—General Outbreak.—Failure of the Troops under Jovan.—Demands of the People.—Miloje Djak.—He places himself at the Head of the Revolt.—His Successes.—He is encountered by Vutschitsch and defeated.— Movements of the Tscharapitches.—Increased Power and Authority of Milosch ... Page 223

CHAP. XX.—SETTLEMENT oF SERVIAN AFFAIRS

Influence of the Greek Revolution on Servian Affairs.—The Rule of Milosch acceptable to the Grand Signior.—The attention of Europe is directed towards the East.—Russia demands the Fulfilment of the Treaty of Bucharest.—The Conference of Akjerman.—Views of the Sultan Mahmoud.—The Viceroy of Egypt.—Destruction of the Janissaries.—Formation of new Troops.—Affairs of Greece.—The Russians enforce a Peace.—Terms of the Treaty.—Arrangements regarding the Tribute.—Settlement of the Claims of the Spahis.—Affairs of the Church.—The Boundaries determined on ses see ee Oo)

CHAP. XXI.—Tue Internat ADMINISTRATION OF MiLoscu, AND THE OPPOSITION AGAINST HIM

Position of Milosch.—He is elected Knias.—The Porte makes the Dignity hereditary in his Family.—He assumes arbitrary Power, and neglects to advance the Interests of the Nation by promoting its Civilization.— The Code Napoleon adopted as the Model for the proposed Laws of Servia.—Arbitrary Proceedings of Milosch.—He endeavours to monopolize the Commerce of the Country.—His Treatment of the Public Officers.—He refuses to bestow Lands and Estates on his Courtiers.— Conspiracy against him.—He pledges himself to accede to the Wishes of the Chiefs. —Skupschtina of 1835.—Concessions of the Knias 246

Opposition to the new Constitution.—Conduct of Milosch.—His Monopolies.—Jephrem and Vutschitsch are expelled from Servia.—History of Vutschitsch.—Dissatisfaction of Russia and the Porte with Milosch. —An English Consul sent to Servia.—Abraham Petronievitsch.— Charter of 1838.—The Senate is made superior to the Knias.—Milosch is deprived of his absolute Power,—The exiles, Jephrem and Vutschitsch, are nominated Senators.—The Servian Ministry.—Milosch withdraws to Semlin.—He returns to Servia.—Movements in his Favour.—Vutschitsch defeats the Rebels.—He marches into Belgrade at the Head of a large Army.—Milosch sentenced to Exile.— Abdication of Milosch in Favour of his Son, and his Retirement into Austria... bob oe sch mee bia Mere coo

XiV CONTENTS.

CHAP. XXIII.—Micuar,t OBRENOVITSCH

Causes of Milosch’s Downfall.—His eldest Son, Milan, being in ill health, does not assume the princely Power.—Vutschitsch with others form a provisional Government.—Dissensions among them.—Michael, the second Son of Milosch, succeeds at the Death of Milan.—The Porte includes Vutschitsch and Petronievitsch in the Government. — Disturbances among the People.—Their Demands are acceded to in part.—Arvival of a Turkish Commissary.—He retires with some of the Malcontents.—Excellent designs of Stephen Raditschevitsch.— They excite much Opposition.—Complaints against the Government of Michael.—Family Disunion.—The Seat of Government is transferred to Belgrade.—General Discontent—A Movement against Michael commences.—Vutschitsch rouses the People. —Temporary Successes of the Government.—Michael is, however, compelled by his Troops to negotiate.—Policy of Vutschitsch.—Michael refuses to grant his Demands.—His Troops disperse.—He is forced to retreat, and take refuge in Austria.—Vutschitsch enters Belgrade, and assumes the supreme Power ... ae see) me x ace Page 217

CHAP. XXIV.—ALEXANDER Kara GEORGEVITSCH

A Provisional Government is formed, and the Skupschtina convened.— Alexander, Son of Kara George, chosen as Prince.—Vutschitsch exercises the supreme Authority.—General Increase of the Ottoman Power.—Views of Russia regarding the Election of Alexander.— Georgevitsch is re-elected. —Present State of Servian Affairs.—Review of the Servian Revolutions.—Probable Progress in the Civilization of the Country.—Effects of the Charter.—Islamism and Spirit of the Western Countries opposed.—The Necessity of separating the Christians from the Turks.—Inhabitants of Serviaa—Conclusion .., 235

APPENDIX ee ane aes eee ee eee cee vee F299)

CONTENTS.

RANK®’S BOSNIA.

Chap.

INTRODUCTION eee nee on0 coo éc0 ses I.—State of Bosnia Ree eee ee Ss Gee eee II.—Attempt at Reform fees a ee ace see

IJI.—Insurrection in Bosnia af —Active Operation and Success of ‘be Grand Vice V.—General Remarks... ese see cee ove oo

THE SLAVE PROVINCES OF TURKEY.

I.—The Insurrections in Turkey in 1849-50-51 be see II.—The Montenegrins ... bee een 30 oC IlJ.—Early History of Mon tenegto one eee oem oe IV.—Montenegro in the Highteenth Century

V.—Contemporary History of the Montenegrins

VI.—Present State and Prospects of Montenegro bee ee Vil.—The Bulgarians aes ae eae ses con VIII.—Survey of the Five Poovitiess “of Bulgaria we Pre

IX.—Social Condition of Bulgaria. The Haiduks X.—The Efforts and Aspirations of the Bulgarians after Tada pendence, since the end of the last century... doc

Xv

ERRATA,

Page 312, line 17. For ‘‘ we thus,” read ‘* we are thus.’” », 314, last line but nine. For ‘¢ offered,’’ read “ opposed.” ,» 344, last line but twelve. For ‘‘the terrible,” read “ this terrible.” », 351, last line but ten. For “ Kemlin,’’ read ‘‘ Semlin.”’ », 354, line 14. For “scope action,’”’ read ‘‘ scope of action,”” »» 305, line 2. ‘‘éz’’ should be in Roman letters,

HISTORY OF SERVIA.

Chapter I. Retrospective Sketch Of The Rise Of The Servians

The early Sclavonian Tribes.—First traces of the Servian Race.—View of Ancient Servia.—Relations of the Servians to the Greek Empire.— Stephan Boistlaw.—Constantine Monomachus.—The Grand Shupanes. —Crusade of Frederic Barbarossa at the close of the Twelfth Century. —Aversion of the Servians to the Western Church.—New Ecclesiastical Constitution in Servia.—The Servian Kings.—Conflict between the Latins and Greeks.—Stephan Dushan.—Increased Power of the Servians in the Fourteenth Century.—Progress of Civilization.—State of Transition.—Nationality of the Servian Laws. ,

THE most remarkable and significant epoch in the history of Sclavonian nations is found towards the close of the ninth century.

Migrations had ceased; immense tracts of country had been populated; and numerous tribes, of whose very names the ancients were scarcely cognisant, had advanced some steps within the limits of historical and geographical recognition. Foreign rule, as that of the Avars, had been cast off; and the time was come for the Sclavonians to raise themselves into independence, and to attempt the formation of political institutions.

At the period referred to (the latter part of the ninth century) we find the great Moravian kingdom extending beyond Cracow, and far down the Elbe: even the Zechians in Bohemia formed part of it; and to this day they recollect the great King Svatopluk in Moravia. At this time arose amongst the Lechians in the neighbourhood of Gnesne and

B

2 VIEW OF ANCIENT SERVIA.

Posen, the Piasts: the first princes who did not belong to the old race of the people.

It was by a union of Sclavonic-Tshudish tribes, under Norman princes, that the Russian Empire was originally formed; taking from the first a decided direction towards the Lower Danube and Constantinople. Meanwhile, the Sclavonian Apostles, Methodius and Cyvrillus, traversed all the countries bordering on the Danube, and became distinguished from most of the early missionaries by their endeavours to elevate the standard of the national languages, by using them in the Church service.

At this period also, we hear of the first attempts made by the Servian race towards forming political institutions.

Leaving it to antiquaries to trace the origin and migrations of these people, by combining languages and myths with fragmentary traditions, it may suffice to say, that from the earliest times we find them in the country which they occupy to this day.

In order to take a comprehensive view of ancient Servia, we must survey the country from a central summit of that lofty range of mountains extending from the Alps to the Black Sea; the declivities of which, with the rivers and streams flowing from them, and the valleys they form, constitute the whole Servian territory; between the Danube on one side, and the Adriatic and the Archipelago on the other. The successive heights of these mountain ridges—described in the national songs as variegated woods, where the darkness of the forest is relieved only by white rocks, or by perpetual snows—have ever been in possession of the Servians. They inhabited the country from the banks of the Drina and the Bosna, towards the. Save, along the course of both the Moravas, down to the Danube, and southerly, to Upper Macedonia ; peopling, likewise, the coasts of the Adriatic sea. For centuries, they lived under the government of their Shupanes and Elders, regardless of the policy of surrounding nations.

At the period alluded to, the Servians did not, like the rest of the Sclavonians, constitute a distinct State, but acknowledged the supremacy of the Kastern Roman Emperor: in fact the country they inhabited had, from ancient times, formed part of the Roman territory ; and it still remained

SERVIANS AND THE GREEK EMPIRE. 5 as part of the Eastern Empire when the Western Empire was re-established, at the time of Charlemagne. The Servians, at the same period, embraced the Christian faith; but in so doing they did not subject themselves entirely, either to the Empire or Church of the Greeks.

When they determined on acknowledging the supremacy of Constantinople, they did so only on the condition that they should never be subject to a government proceeding from that capital; whose rule they abhorred, as being extortionate and rapacious. The Emperor, accordingly, permitted the Servians to be ruled by native chiefs, solely of their own election ; who preserved a patriarchal form of government.*

The records of Christianity were also given to them in their vernacular language and writing; whether these were derived from the East or from the West. They, likewise, enjoyed the advantage of a liturgy which was intelligible to them; and we find that, early in the tenth century, a considerable number of Sclavonian priests, from all the dioceses, were ordained by the Bishop of Nona, himself a Sclavonian by descent.

Ever since powers have been established on earth, endeavouring to realize, to represent, and to promote those general ideas which involve the destiny of the human race, it would seem that no nation has been allowed to develop itself by the unrestrained exercise of its own innate strength and genius. The progress of all development depends materially on the relation into which a newly emerging people enters with the nations already in a state of civilization; and in reviewing the history of the various Sclavonian tribes, it is evident that their development was determined by the influence thus exercised upon them.