und.

Some of the poorest peasants wear huge sheepskin jackets, even in hot
weather.

At the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, which is the religion of the
land, is an Archbishop, or "Vladika." Hardly more than half a century
ago, the Vladika was Prince and Bishop in one. To-day the Vladika is
absolute spiritual head of the Church in Montenegro, and only in
matters pertaining to divorce are his rulings reversible by the
Prince.

The hatred of the Roman Catholic religion is most marked. The term
"Catholic" is an epithet of opprobrium. Hence the hatred of Albania,
which on the borders is entirely Roman Catholic. The hated Catholics
also, in the shape of Austria, hem in Montenegro on three sides, and
this factor, added to the unfriendly part that Austria played at the
Berlin Congress, may account for the growing animosity which is now
slowly making itself manifest against her in Montenegro. Turkey is no
longer feared; in fact, friendly relations are cultivated and steadily
increasing; but against Austria very different feelings are held.
Austria holds the Bocche de Cattaro, which the Montenegrins took
possession of in the Napoleonic wars, commands Antivari, and has edged
herself in between the kingdom of Servia and Montenegro in the
Sandjak of Novipazar. The inhabitants of the Bocche and a large part
of the population of Bosnia and the Hercegovina look to the Prince of
Montenegro as their lawful ruler.

It is the oft and open stated dream of Prince Nicolas to see the great
Serb-speaking nations re-united, and much as Russia has helped and is
fostering this wish, Austria relentlessly checkmates every move in
this direction. Austria is even striving to gain influence in Albania
through the means of the Roman Catholic priests, who are said to be
largely in her pay.

Thus Austria, surrounding Montenegro as she does at present, and
enlisting the sympathies of the Albanians, can command every inlet to
that brave little country. A "Schwab," as every German-speaking
foreigner is termed, is consequently viewed with no friendly eyes;
while the Russian is welcomed openly as a friend.

Russia, however, can never hope to buy the allegiance of the
Montenegrins; for while appreciating friendly assistance, the faintest
attempt to obtain undue influence of power would be sharply resented.

Montenegro will yield her absolute independence to none.

CHAPTER II

History from first conquest by the Romans, 300 B.C., down to
t