Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1892 — Sudden Proinotion. [ARTICLE]

Sudden Proinotion.

In the latter half of the sixteenth century the little province of Transylvania was in a state of revolution and consequent disorder. Finally there came a time when there was no ruler, and the Turkish Sultan sent word to All Pasha, then at Maros Vasarhely, that, come what might, a Prince of Transylvania must be elected. Ali Pasha was in a quandary. He stood at his window, as the story runs, meditating upon his sovereign’s commands, not knowing what to do, and yet afraid to do nothing, when he saw a tall, strong man crossing the market-place. At that time, and especially in that country, a strong arm was the best patent of nobility. At home Ali Pasha had seen the lowest slaves lifted to places of power. He sent a messenger into the market-place with orders to bring the tall, strong man into his presence. The. order was obeyed, and as the stranger entered he was- greeted with the words, “You must Les Prince of Transylvania!” “I!” exclaimed the astonished prince-elect. “I—l know nothing about government! I can’t read or write! lam a butcher!” “No matter for that,” said Ali Pasha; “a man may be an excellent regent though he cannot read.” But the butcher was not ambitious and still resisted. “If you want a man as Prince of Transylvania,” he said, “I can tell you of one who has no equal. If you will, let us go and find him. I will lead you.” With five hundred Turkish horsemen Ali Pasha and the butcher rode to Malmkrog and surrounded the castle of Michael Apart!, whom they hailed at once as prince, carried to Maros Vasarhely, and proclaimed as regent This was in 16(51, and the prince thus chosen remained in power until his death, in 1690.