a good feeling of pride: but sometimes Bulgarian sensitiveness
to criticism and desire to appear grand was a little trying. I suppose,
however, it is natural in a "new" people.

In most things, however, the Bulgarian is intensely practical. That
sturdy panegyrist of the Bulgars, Mr. Noel Buxton, M.P., insists upon
this practicality even when its effects were notably absent:

"The Bulgarian mind," he writes, "is practical. It is no doubt
still debated, among European military experts, whether the army
succeeded through a well-organised transport or in spite of the
want of it. The foreign Red Cross contingents at the front were
inclined to the latter view. Judged by English or by German
standards, the system, or want of system, employed led them to
suppose that success came from 'muddling through.' They found
that nothing was prepared for their arrival, and no
classification of the wounded carried out. But it may be doubted
whether the Bulgarian mind does not include some elements of a
quality which is really higher than statistical efficiency."

It calls for a more affectionate eye towards the Bulgar people than I
possess to be blind to the fact that in their medical and sanitary
arrangements for the campaign against the Turks they were woefully
deficient. The excuse of ignorance is the only one that will serve. The
only alternative to that would be a complete recklessness for life. In
the Bulgarian camps sanitary precautions were absolutely lacking, and on
the battlefields the provision for dealing with the wounded was
shockingly inadequate. When I came back from Chatalja to Kirk Kilisse,
King Ferdinand sent his private secretary for me as an independent
witness of the state of things at the front. I took the occasion to
acquaint His Majesty frankly with the ghastly consequences that had
followed from the absence of all precautions to ensure a wholesome water
supply, from the neglect of latrine regulations in the camps and other
failures in the medical and sanitary service. I had no reason to feel
that my frankness was resented, and I believe that (too late in the day)
an effort at reform was made. Certainly since then there has been
reform, and if Bulgaria should unhappily have to enter upon another
campaign probably the medical and sanitary services will be brought to a
high pitch of organisation.

Yes, the Bulgarian is very practical in mind but he has suffered, and
ha