alised his thanks by the gift of an Austrian Order. But
the Montenegrins could not be restrained at the outbreak of the
Hercegovinian revolt, and flocked to the standards of their brothers.
The Porte's remonstrances were met with a curt demand for the cession
of Hercegovina, and Prince Nicolas published at the same time an
offensive and defensive alliance with Servia.

Immediately after this (1876) he declared war. Success followed his
arms everywhere. A short armistice was concluded, but nothing further
came of it, and the war proceeded. The Prince in person stormed the
town of Niksic. Podgorica and its fertile plain fell into the hands of
the conquerors, and then in quick succession Antivari and Dulcigno
were forced to yield. He was about to commence the siege of Scutari
when news came of the armistice between Russia and Turkey. The war had
shown that no deteriorating element had sprung up among the people;
they had fought as their ancestors had fought before them, and covered
their name with glory and renown. Montenegro had gained a European
reputation from this war, and the Porte, bowing to force of
circumstances, finally recognised her independence. For five weary
centuries had this struggle continued, and it is owing to the talent
of their present ruler that the consummation of their hopes has been
brought about. Free they always have been, but an acknowledgment of
their freedom has ever been set aside. At last they have attained
their object. The Turk no longer regards them as an insubordinate
province, and it is more than likely that their former hatred of the
Turk will pass away, for they have another enemy, who is pressing at
their doors on three sides. The terms of the Berlin Congress granted
to Montenegro Zabljak, Spuz, Podgorica, and Antivari. Dulcigno was to
be restored to the Turks, and in exchange Gusinje and Plava were to be
added to Montenegro. But the Albanian communities refused the lordship
of Montenegro, and Dulcigno was granted to the Prince after a great
naval demonstration of the Powers in 1880.

The result of this campaign was that Prince Nicolas found his little
kingdom increased from an area of 2,580 square kilometres, containing
a population of 178,000 inhabitants, to over 9,000 square kilometres
and a population of at least 240,000. In the last twenty-five years it
has increased to quite another 100,000 inhabitants.

War has never again seriously threatened Montenegro, and Prince
Nicolas