#ambassadors. presidents. royalties. etc etc etc

[chronal-anomaly]

in all my feelings again about publicity n overwatch. the sheer marketing aspect of it. covers of magazines, cartoons, interviews, random civilians grilling them. they're heroes, they're not politicians or bureaucrats. leaders in their fields and dressed in the overwatch blues.

[houseofbrat]

May I never be this delulu:

Actually William does need to explain himself because he is being PAID by virtue of his birth to be a PUBLIC SERVANT.

Isn’t he the same man who left Charlotte on her birthday to go watch football? And then the wailer cult were making excuses that he doesn’t need to be there for the full birthday, maybe they celebrated earlier or later etc. So football trumps birthdays but a state funeral doesn’t?!

Would love if you shared another round of up tweets and reactions because there’s no way of spinning it that William doesn’t come across as lazy and juvenile here.

It's a little bit harder to find as more people tend to believe the excuses because they don't understand what William's job is.

Sophie attended the funeral of an Italian president in September 2023, when it was really William who should have attended. If Sophie had attended for Charles in that capacity in 2019, people would have critiqued Charles. William wasn't doing anything when Sophie attended that funeral.

But I found a few where people understand that William cannot and will not do his job.

Jimmy Carter was a humanitarian who dedicated his post-presidency to helping others, building homes for those in need, and living a modest life far removed from the pomp of wealth or status. He embodied values that were the complete opposite of what royalty often represents. I highly doubt he would have cared whether any royals attended his funeral.

No official announcement has been made yet; the article is based on the Royal Diary post for Edward - and that itself doesn't yet necessarily mean he will be the only one attending, as William's engagements are notoriously often posted only shortly before the day of the engagement. I think it's absolutely alright if Edward goes alone, though. He is the King's brother and a working royal. To be 'outraged' because someone doesn't consider Edward to be...what, worthy enough? That's just ridiculous.

In essence, Edward did get a promotion when Harry left. Edward and Sofie have a much higher profile and more important duties due to this. It’s how a hierarchy works. By the same token, Harry can go if invited as a private citizen and he won’t be. It cuts both ways.

The security will be up to snuff for this. It's a big deal for the royal family to turn their nose up at not only a former president, but especially THE former president who was least-problematic of existing presidents, and led an incredible life of purpose and service after his term.

Honestly he makes these royals look bad with how dedicated he was to his country when he didn't have to be.

And they can't even get William to go and look young and solemn?

I hope Liz is spinning in her grave.

Actually this is up to the King. The government can suggest a preference but ultimately the king/monarch decides these assignments on behalf of the government. The government requests a royal rep but the monarch decides who. We know royals can and do turn down opportunities or requests, too.

Edward is fine. But this is the sort of opportunity William should be more keen to have as he builds up his own Rolodex and credits as a global ambassador.

Either way, I don’t think the Carter family is all that concerned with which Royal is attending. These sorts of events are onerous for the families to deal with enough.

I would just say this is different because, and not to be too American, but the US is the the UK’s most important ally, the superpower, AND they are desperately trying to butter up to the new admin. Which is also why I do think politics plays a role. If this was a GOP former president it would probably be William because they are the party in power in the US right now.

Carter has been out of power for a bit and a president from the “out” party right now. And as far as I can recall (and I welcome corrections) neither had any stronger than normal relations with the UK or with the BRF overall to consider above political considerations. So sure, why not send Ed and call it a day.

I just think this is the sort of thing William should be doing as prep for being king and building his own profile as a leader. It’s one thing to send Ed to continental royal weddings, but this sort of thing(plus royal weddings) William and Kate (when she is well) should be doing more of now.

Harry was able to make it to the coronation on Archie's birthday.

Diplomacy should come before a birthday.

It's her birthday, one of many.

Hell, she could go with him for a getaway after the funeral. But no.

Yeah, not good on William's part. The PoW has historically attended these events. I understand family is important and it's Catherine's birthday, but he takes so so much time off for his family already (every break the kids have when honestly, he could easily do an event or two when they're off school and not miss any time with them. Tons of parents work full-time and have good, healthy relationships with their kids). Being a royal isn't all about fun events, it's the boring state stuff too.

Actually, there is precedent. Charles attended George HW Bush's funeral in 2018 and they were not close at all - it was a symbol of Britain's ties to the US that they sent such a senior official.

William should absolutely be going to the funeral. This is the sort of thing that Charles did all the time during his decades as PoW. He has nothing on his calendar for next week, and the security will be off the charts with the politicians that will be attending. Work shy William strikes again!

What does William do, he has private planes and the means to go quickly and head back home. He seems to always have an excuse. How long will this go on ? Yes Kate had cancer, she is recovering. If she is permanently disabled tell the public. Cp Mette marit has a chronic life shortening lung disease and her husband CP haakon still travels for work and does his job.

If Katherine and William really are about duty and service, then William can skip part of Katherine's birthday and attend a great statesman president and humanitarian's funeral.

I do not understand how they keep treating him like a 25 year old who is still learning the job, or a man with so many heavy issues/responsibilities that he cant do his very light on work job. He has nannies. He has secretaries and cooks and servants. Kate is well looked after. So like go to funerals of presidents ! It's part of the work. Cut ribbons, fly to random countries for your passion project, attend movie premieres, do events. Why is he so work shy its not a good look.

It has nothing to do with the representative "remembering" the person. These funerals aren't about being heartfelt, it's about the symbolic relationship between countries. If it was Tony Blair's funeral, it would seem odd if the US sent, let's say, Kamala Harris' husband and not someone more senior.

[xitty]

Have you noticed? The people Ibara has a royal title for are ex-fine. He doesn't always use royal honorific for Tsumugi but he does have one for him.

Note: EN translated Eichi's title to His Highness but the word has other, slightly more specific, translations too: Holiness and Eminence.

Nagisa: 閣下 (kakka) - nowadays this is usually used for non-royal high-ranking people (like presidents, prime ministers or ambassadors) Hiyori: 殿下 (denka) - used for royal princes and princesses, consorts etc. (both Japanese and foreign) Eichi: 猊下 (geika) - religious title, so used for example for religious leaders like Pope (so His Eminence is a suitable translation) Tsumugi: 陛下 (heika) - used for sovereign royalty i.e. emperors, queens etc. (both Japanese and foreign)

So, you can see there's a sort of logic to these if you think of ex-fine when they were active!

[littlemuoi]

Observing A Royal by Pamala Proverbs (March 3rd 2014)

ARCHIVE LINK

I am an old fashioned Barbadian. What does that mean? Well it means I am really proud and believe in respect and dignity. It also means that I am not star-struck by anyone, not even royalty. In my job at PRMR Inc. and otherwise, I have met stars, authors, international politicians, heads of multinational corporations etc. and do not have a picture to show for it.

Mr. Steve Stoute, President of the Barbados Olympic Association presented Sophie, Countess of Wessex with a scarf and tie

One thing that I love to do as a communications/ public relations professional however, is to observe people in these positions in their unguarded moments, away from the glare of the spotlight. How they engage with other people is an indicator of their true character.

Most recently, I had the occasion to observe Sophie, Countess of Wessex up close. We were not introduced formally. My fault, I always take a back seat when I am working, but we stood as close as four feet apart for a good 20 minutes.

Here is what I observed. The Countess loves people. She is genuinely interested in your story; she is not just filling in for her husband, Prince Edward. Her genuine interest in others goes beyond royal responsibility. The night before she visited the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) she met with some young people. I believe they were the parish ambassadors as I overheard her relaying the story that one of them told her about sports not being mandatory and that needing to change in order for sports in Barbados to be taken seriously. Now this was someone that did not just make idle conversation, but spoke to a young person with so much interest that she was able to internalise and repeat the conversation.

The Countess is quite sociable. After meeting with the staff at the BOA, she was invited to refreshments. I was shocked when she agreed to have a cup of coffee. With no special treatment and no airs about her she took her cup and continued to mingle. The Countess was so comfortable in the room among ordinary people that this allowed her previously very uptight security officer who introduced himself as Pat, to relax. Actually I got a smile from Pat. Being a James Bond addict (not the current Bond) I asked Pat if he was licensed to kill. He smiled and said he was and apologised for his early demeanour (he had not expected so many media representatives and he was concerned that their close proximity was posing a threat to the Countess).

The Countess is regular people. What does that mean? Well the BOA presented her with a scarf. She took it out of the bag and slung it over her shoulders so proudly that you would have thought it was Hermes. She also demonstrated her love for her husband when she took his tie and said he would definitely wear it, a true mark of a woman who has a firm grasp on her household.

As someone who loves fashion myself, I picked her outfit to pieces. Nothing was overstated. Her choice of slacks, blouse, shoes, handbag and jewellery were all smart, elegantly casual and fit for the occasion, obviously someone comfortable in her own skin.

However, what moved me to write this blog about the Countess was her parting act. As she was walking out of the reception area she looked in the servers’ direction, looked one of the servers straight in the eye and said, thank you. This won me over completely. The Countess is gracious, and she sees the invisible people, the men and women who serve and are so important but are always overlooked; for me that was Royal.

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 18:  DANY V - That Was Immensely Entertaining

@helloimnotawesome - Chapter 18 is up. It’s wedding time!!! Yay <3 

This is the longest chapter so far - longer than planned but it felt wrong to cut it and there were things that I really wanted included here, so....almost 3k for you :D Enjoy!

DANY V - That Was Immensely Entertaining:

'Lord Dayne in uniform' was that what the tv-reporter had said? No, that couldn't be. Jon doesn't have one. He lost it along with everything else that night. He was devastated when he had to tell Robb. She was there at Dragonstone that day. Holding him all through the night as he cried himself to sleep and occasionally woke up sobbing. For Jon his uniform represented something good he had done in his life, something he had chosen for himself and excelled at. The medals too. Not for what he'd done during battles and what he'd lost. For Jon it was evidence of what he'd saved, the lives rescued. The crowd's noisy I probably just misheard the reporter anyway. Marg was being a good sport as always. Playing her part effortlessly. Walking up the red carpet on the steps to the Great Sept she turned and waved at the crowd who responded with a deafening cheer. You'd think we were all still royalty. She laughed to herself at the thought as she too waved at the crowd. 

Inside the sept Loras was waiting for them with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. He'd arrived earlier along with their grandmother, President Olenna Tyrell. Loras was wearing his cavalry dress uniform - black jacket, black trousers with a double red stripe down the side of the legs and a white belt around the waist. Why do all men look so good in uniform? It's unfair. She again thought about the colours. Marg and Robb had wanted the colours of their houses to be combined to display a unification of their families, so all Starks and Tyrells would somehow incorporate the colours green, gold, grey or white into their outfits. Robb, Jon, Bran, Grey, Ned and Arya, and little Aegon would of course be wearing the traditional morning suit with black morning coat, waistcoat, formal trousers, white shirt, and a cravat. They'd decided that they'd all be wearing grey waistcoats and the cravat would be matched with the colour of roses embroidered on the bridesmaids dresses. So Grey's cravat was red, Bran's was green as he was meant to go alongside Sansa until he was given the honour of escorting the Queen of Thorns inside the Sept. 'The youngest Stark and I move at the same speed', as the President had said. Afterwards Arya was matched with Sansa, but refused to change her gold coloured cravat. Typical Arya! Everyone's little wild stubborn wolf. Jon and Aegon's were blue. He looks adorable in that little suit though - and so excited he has a matching outfit with Jon!

Margaery's dress was a white full-length gown with a chapel train. While the skirt was an opaque lace, the sleeveless top was a light layer of fabric that was completely see-through - with a nude layer below the lace to make it respectable for the occasion. Throughout the dress and top red, blue, green and gold roses were embroidered. The bridesmaids dresses were in similar style but in a very light grey and one colour roses per bridesmaid - Sansa had green, Missandei had red, and she had blue. When she'd originally questioned Margaery for suddenly adding blue and red she just received the reply that, 'blue is for the winter rose of the North, and everyone knows what red roses are the symbol of'. If it's true that the President herself is wearing a gold coloured jacket and blue dress I guess the colour checks out. Little Rhaenys' dress was a red skirt, black top and black band around her waist with a big red rose on it. So proud she gets to wear her own house colours. If only she knew it's because her mom tried to avoid her having to change outfit before the reception like Aegon needs to.

It was time. Aegon, carrying the cloak Robb would wrap Marg in, went first, then Rhaenys, Sansa & Arya, Missandei & Grey, then her and finally Margaery and Loras. Letting Aegon and Rhaenys enter first was a breach of tradition and protocol, but both Marg and Robb had been adamant that they wanted the little ones in the front. Wanted to give them their bit of the limelight. Wait! Is Robb wearing a green morning coat? Matching his bride beautifully, but another breach of protocol. Looking very aristocratic, Dr. Stark! She couldn't help laugh a bit to herself. Those two have apparently decided to make a tradition of breaking tradition! Aegon had made it all the way up the aisle and was handing the cloak over to—

—OOOH! GODS! Oh Gods! Oh Gods! Jon is wearing a uniform?! How is that even possible?! He lost it. Didn't he lose it? He did! Everything was lost in the fire as the car burned out. Then how? Her head was swimming with questions. She almost forgot to breathe. She felt her legs moving but wasn't sure how she was still walking - or even standing upright. Dressed like that he's the most sexy-looking man I've ever laid eyes on! Somehow she'd made it all the way up the aisle. Standing by Margaery's side she couldn't take her eyes of Jon. She'd never seen a Night's Watch officer's dress uniform before. Light blue trousers with a red stripe down the side of the legs. Deep blue, almost black, jacket and matching belt. Oh, my dress matches his trousers! Marg, you sneaky woman, you! Oh, is that a sword by his side? And his medals, oh gods! Some on his right chest and one particularly prestigious one, the Medal of Valour, was around his neck, meticulously placed so it sat just at the collar of the jacket. Oh Gods, that entire outfit is full-on panty-dropping material right there. Dany! Get a grip, woman! Remember where you are, for fuck's sake!

She hadn't noticed, but apparently the ceremony was over and Jon walked over to escort her down the aisle and out of the sept. Did I stand here and ogle him the whole time?!? In full view of EVERYONE?? Oh Gods!!

As they walked down the aisle right behind the newly-weds, Jon leaned in slightly and whispered, "you look absolutely stunning, Dany. You're the most beautiful woman in the world, and I can't seem to take my eyes of you. Beginning to think you must've cast a spell on me, Dr. Targaryen."

Gods, the way he looks at me! And that voice! So deep and husky and...ugh, I just want to peal that uniform off and climb him like a tree. Gods I can't take it. It's too much. He's too sweet, too gorgeous, too good, too much right now.

They were outside now where the crowd was cheering for the newly-weds. She turned to Jon and said, "thank you, Captain. You look very handsome yourself. Don't even know how I made it up there I couldn't stop looking at you, so maybe you're the one who cast a spell on me, Lord Dayne." She gave him a shy smile and looked to the ground quickly. She felt him give her hand a gentle squeeze before turning his face to the crowd, flashed them a big smile and waved. Wow, mom and Tyrion have taught him well...

Robb turned slightly and waved them down to join him and Marg on one of the lower steps. The crowd responded with more loud cheering. Apparently very big fans of both the eldest Stark sons. But this one's mine! She caught Marg's eye and they both leaned up and gave each their man a kiss on the cheek. And I just made my public announcement. She couldn't help grinning at the crowd's euphoric reaction to the two pairs. Jon placed a hand on her lower back, kissed her temple and waved at the crowd again. And I'm his!

——————————

Another way the newly-weds had decided to break tradition was by not having a big wedding feast. Instead they wanted to share the celebrations with the public so a few days up to the wedding there had been various events throughout Westeros. Concerts, funfairs, open-air theatre plays etc. all for free, and would continue for a few more days. On their wedding day itself there would be free, public feasts in as many cities, towns and villages as they'd been able to coordinate with the local Lords and Mayors. For their wedding gifts they'd requested donations to charities for the sick, old, poor, refugees, orphans, and animals. They didn't want anything for themselves. Already charity organisations were reporting a spike in donations. They couldn't quite avoid a reception though for the most important on the 'who's who'-list in Westeros. So a gathering of approx a hundred had been invited to a light meal at the hospital - the usual floor used for any kind of festivities.

At the reception the newly-weds, bridesmaids and groomsmen had all changed to different dresses and suits. She had chosen a knee-length, shoulder-less dress of purple lace matching the colour of her eyes. From the way the other girls had looked at her when they saw her she knew Jon would not be unaffected. Just as I planned. The problem was that when she saw him she was equally affected. He had changed to black dress trousers, white shirt, purple bowtie, purple velvet waistcoat and purple velvet jacket. What in the hells? Are we unconsciously colour coordinating? Look at him! So confident, so handsome in that casual laidback Jon-way!

As he was walking up to her, smiling that special smile she had learned was just for her, his eye caught something behind her and his steps halted for a second. He tensed up but tried to hide it. What do you see, my love? Everyone else had already been seated. Only ones missing were her and Jon, and Marg and Robb. She turned her head but didn't see anyone or anything out of the ordinary.

"What's she doing here?" He growled in her ear. Haven't heard that tone since the day Ned told him the truth.

"Who, my love?"

"The woman in red." Still growling. Wolf mode is in progress.

"That's Ambassador Melisandre."

He glared at the red woman. "Ambassador?"

"For the Free Cities."

He snorted. "Of course she is." He lowered his head, squeezed his eyes shut, jaws and fists clenched hard before he took a slow deep breath.

"..Jon...it's ok if you're not ready. I'll just tell them you're—"

"—no!" Another breathe to try to steel himself. "Let's just do this. I'll be ok." You hope!

"Jon, don't do this to yourself, please. It's alright. I promise." She held his face in her hands, gently, but forcing him to look at her.

He sighed. "I know, I just..," he sighed again. I can't bare to see all that pain back in our eyes. "I can't go through life doing only what feels easy, can I? I'm going to meet people from my past that...." He ran a hand down over his face. "I have to do this, Dany." No you don't but you're not willing to listen right now.

She nodded, gave him a slow deep kiss trying to convey her support and love for him.

They sat at a round table. She was sat between Loras and Jon who sat between her and her mom. Good strategic decision, Marg. Next to Loras, President Olenna was seated, then Robb, Marg, Ned, Cat, Tyrion, Ambassador Melisandre, DA Oberyn Martell, her mom, and then Jon. Dinner was going well despite Jon being tense and quiet, only giving short curt answers. She had noticed the worried looks from the Starks - and her mom. She'd done her best to downplay it all with a few looks of her own and a light shaking of her head. Difficult to point at someone without anyone noticing while sitting at a round table.

Everything was fine until President Olenna mentioned that the Gold Cloaks had found and brought in a Greyjoy to the hospital, currently still in the ICU.

"Theon?" Jon's head snapped up. Who's he to you, darling? You look hurt and yet there's a sliver of hope in your voice.

"We believe so but Commander Selmy's team haven't been able to reach any relatives yet."

"No don't! Please don't do that!"

"Would you not want him to be reunited with his family like you have been with yours, Lord Dayne? Thought you were raised a good God-fearing man like your father, Lord Stark over here?" Oh for fuck's sake woman why couldn't you keep devious mouth shut?!

Jon's head turned towards the Ambassador so fast she feared it might've snapped off his neck.

"Let's get one thing clear, Ambassador, I tolerate your presence and only sit at the same table as you out of courtesy. Maybe others here don't know or don't care, but I know what you really are. I remember what you did!" The last line was said with a growl. She couldn't see his entire face clearly but she was sure his wolf fangs were showing. Everyone at the table was silent. Luckily there was chatter in the background from the other tables. Thanks the Gods he's managing to control himself. Somewhat at least.

He took a deep breath before continuing through clenched teeth. "Secondly, God-fearing? God-FEARING? Hmm? Is that what they want? The Gods? For me, for us to fear them?" He snorted and shook his head in disbelief. "The Lord of Light wants his enemies burned, the Drowned God wants them drowned, the Black Goat requires a daily blood sacrifice and the Many-Faced God is basically Death himself. Tell me priestess, why are all Gods such vicious cunts?! Where's the God of Tits & Wine?"

"To the God of Tits & Wine!!!" Tyrion and Oberyn cheered in unison then shared a look of surprise? Gratitude? Those two are a perfect match for each other! Thank you for trying to break the tension gentlemen, but afraid you're much too late.

Ned sent her an anxious look. He knew how badly this could go if they didn't manage to stop Jon - or if he didn't manage to reign himself in. I know, Ned, I know! I'm worried too. She didn't know what to do though. Not here. Not in this setting.

"Thirdly," Jon continued, calmly but clearly restraining himself, and with a deep growl said, "don't you ever dare try to slander my father's good name again!" He glared at her. If eyes could kill she'd be dead a thousand times over by now.

He turned back around to face President Tyrell. After another deep breathe he managed a warm and calm tone of voice when he said, "it is no secret that there is no love lost between the Greyjoys and myself. However, no human deserves to be subjected to the kind of humiliation that Theon was - that too by his own family. So please, Madam President, I beg of you do not try to contact any relatives he may have until he's awake and able to tell you himself. He deserves at least that." You have such a big and kind heart, Jon. Every time I learn something new about you I love you more.

As always the Queen of Thorns was wearing her pokerface. She had not reacted to his outburst at Ambassador Melisandre, an official representative for a very important ally for Westeros -  and if offended could have severe political, economical and social consequences. Listening to Jon's plea on behalf of Theon Greyjoy the old woman simply nodded.

"Thank you." Jon turned his head slightly to look at his father. "When his doctor allows it, I'd like to come by and see him if that's ok with you, Lord Stark?" Furious, yet still remembering your manners. Well done, my love.

"Oh course, Lord Dayne. I'll let you know." Gods, I hate this formality!

Turning back to the President, Jon said, "with your leave Madam President I'd like to go catch some fresh air."

"Yes, I thought you might." Is that a smirk? She finds this amusing? "Granted, Lord Dayne."

He stood up and nodded around the table. "Madam President, Lords, Ladies, Ambassador," and then he left. Didn't dare to look at me before leaving....you promised you wouldn't hide from me, Jon...

Everyone was silent for a few seconds before Loras stood up. "I'll go check on him." He too nodded to everyone, and then just before leaving he leaned towards her and whispered, "if I'm not back in 5 mins come find us."

She just nodded. Jon where did you disappear to? Before she could think any further her thoughts were interrupted by President Olenna's loud laugh.

"Ha! Lord Stark you've neglected to tell me your eldest son has such a ferocious bite to him! I love the boy already! That was immensely entertaining!"

[divanquotes]

Thomas Thornton, The Present State of Turkey, 1807

Page 91: Divan, or council of state.

Page 115: the spirit of the customs and institutions of the Ottoman eludes the transient observation of travelers. This latticed window which conceals the grand signor while he overlooks the divan, and which is essential to the nature of the Ottoman government … is supposed by some gentlemen, who have been admitted in the suite of an ambassador, to be there for no other reason than to give the sultan an opportunity of “gratifying an princely curiosity” by peeping at foreign ministers. De Tott …. still more ridiculously asserts that he is placed there from the mutual fear of himself and his viziers, as in that situation he can neither assassinate nor be assassinated.

Page 117: Eton is predetermined that the ulema are priests, and that the interference of ecclesiastics in the affairs of government is both injurious to the subject and odious to the sovereign: In his opinion the folly of submitting to their guidance has, in no instance, appeared more disgustingly conspicuous, than in the Turkish nation; and on no scene are the mutual contentions of the sultan and the ulema carried on with more virulence than in the divan, which “as its members are swayed either by the party of the sultan, or by that of the priesthood, serves to determine the relative power of these two distinct bodies.” The easy-askers, the only members of the ulema who have seats in the divan, are not, however, the representatives of the priesthood, but, as their name imports, the judges of the army; a dignity created by Murad the First, and after the taking of Constantinople, divided between two magistrates by Mahomet the Second. His first summoned them to assist in the deliberations of his council, which until that period had consisted only of four viziers; but he limited their functions to that of superintending, in the presence and under the control of the grand vizier, the judicial proceedings of his sovereign tribunal. The mufti, though had of the law and the Ottoman magistracy, never attends the divan, as it is thought derogatory to his dignity to exercise any judicial power.

Page 411: From the seraglio they go in solemn and ostentatious procession to the patriarchal church, where prayers and ceremonies are performed similar to those which were formerly observed at the inauguration of the Greek emperors. They are accompanied to their principalities by the Turkish officers appointed to install them. They make their public entry into the capital of their new sovereignty with a great display of magnificence, attended by the metropolitan and dignified ecclesiastics, the members of the divan, and the chief boyars. They assume, from the ceremonies which are practiced, the title of "God's Anointed;" but this vain pageant, this painted bubble, raised by intrigue, by purchase, or by favour, dependent on a breath, removable at the will of a tyrant, and reducible to its original nothing, is conducted to a mimic throne by the Turkish officer, who witnesses and ridicules the vanity of the slave, whom his hand raises to authority and invests with dignity.

Page 415: The president of the divan in each principality is the archbishop Divan or or metropolitan, who is considered as the head and oracle of the Jaw, because of the ascendancy of his sacred character over the minds of an uncultivated and superstitious people. The other members of the divan are the great public functionaries, whose titles of dvornik-mare, logotheti-mare, spathari or hetman, vestiar-mare, etc. correspond with those of chief justice, chancellor, generalissimo, and treasurer. Many of these officers are men of the first class of nobility, and natives of the country, especially the treasurer, in whose situation an intimate acquaintance with the financial resources, and the most efficacious methods of extortion is essentially necessary. The inferior members of the divan have no voice either in deliberating, or in deciding, on any measure: they merely affix their signature to all public acts.

The divan is the high court of judicature. It receives appeals from the inferior tribunals, and its sentence, if confirmed by the prince in the extraordinary sitting which is  held twice in every week, is final. The criminal tribunal is composed of noblemen of the second class, who must have passed through the inferior offices of the divan. All criminal proceedings are examined every Saturday by the prince himself, who is attended on this occasion by, the armasc, or governor of the public prisons.

Page 416: The boyars, who compose the divan, and who arrogantly assume the rank and honours of hereditary grandees of the country, are in reality only rich proprietors and unfeeling tax-gatherers. The boyars of the most ancient families indeed assert, that they are the descendants of the Slavi, and are of a distinct race from the people, who have sprung from the alliances of the Romans with the original Dacians; but the chief distinction among the nobles is their wealth and possessions. The great majority of the Moldavian and Wallachian nobility owe their creation to the sultan's vaivodas, for even these ephemeral beings, these fleeting shadows of royalty, are presumed to confer by their breath a permanency of dignity; and the man whom once they have delighted to honour, retains, after his removal from office, the title, the honours, and even the privileges of nobility.”

Page 417: Powers of the divan. The collective powers of the nobles, considered as a corporate body represented by the divan or great council, are specious and nugatory. The divan indeed appears to intermeddle in the management of public affairs, but it possesses no real authority; for every thing is in fact conducted by the prince and his ministers. The divan is more especially authorized to superintend and control the receipts and expenditures of the public treasure, and the signatures of its members are necessary to give authenticity to the annual statement of the accounts. Yet their signatures are a mere formality, which in fact serves no other purpose than to prevent the boyars from making representations to the Porte against the prince's government, as it virtually annuls any accusation on their part of his having harassed the country by oppressive taxes, or levied contributions without their concurrence.

Page 419: The divan effendi, or Turkish secretary, is the only Mussulman in the service of the prince. His business is to write official dispatches to the Ottoman Porte, to read and translate the firmans or orders of government, and to give judgment, (jointly, if required, with a cadi dispatched for the purpose from one of the neighbouring fortresses,) in all disputes, in which the interests of Mussulmans are involved. The divan effendi, though ostensibly an. agent of the prince, and receiving a large salary for his services, is however to be considered rather as an officer of the Porte, and an authorized inspector over the prince’s conduct. His influence is consequently great, and by overawing the prince by his presence, he assures the observance of that submission and respect for the turban, which is the first and most durable impression on the minds of the Greeks.

Page 421: The dvorniks, or chief judges, are men versed in the practices of the divan and courts of law, and acquainted with the laws and. usages of the country. They name the judges of the departments. The vestiari, or grand treasurer, is removable from office as well as the other ministers of state ; but the third treasurer, 'who principally conducts the business, and whose situation requires experience and local knowledge, is considered as permanently possessed of his office. The armasc, or governor of the public prisons, exercises an, immediate jurisdiction over the chinganehs or gypsies.

Page 422: The laws of Moldavia and Wallachia arc professedly those of the code of Justinian, but they are neither studied, understood, nor followed. All suits are determined according to precedent and established usage, which are unwritten and arbitrary. The judges constantly refer to the practices of the court and capricious traditions, so that all decisions are ultimately left at the mercy of the reigning prince. Hence naturally arise confusion and disorder; for as the sentence of a prince is not binding on his successor, contestations are interminable, and are continually reproduced. Suitors present their petitions to the prince in public or in private, according to the rank of the petitioner, the nature of the case, or the character of the prince. These memorials are read by the third chancellor, docketed, and referred to the appropriate tribunal, or to a prelate, if the case properly falls under the cognizance of an ecclesiastical judge. If the parties acquiesce in the sentence, it is definitive; otherwise appeal is left open to the divan, and thence again to the prince in council.

Page 430: On the death or deposition of a prince the divan assembles, and immediately assumes the administration of public affairs. All immediately assumes the administration of the public affairs. AH the creatures or dependents of the prince are removed from office, and other persons are appointed who continue in authority until the arrival of hiis successor. "The caimacan, or lieutenant of the newly created prince announces the nomination of his master, but does not interfere in the affairs of government, farther than in Superintending the collection of the prince's revenues. The fallen, sovereign is immediately forsaken by his courtiers, is always treated with neglect, and sometimes with insult and reviling. He returns privately, and without pomp, to Constantinople, where he retires to his seat in the Fanal or on the shores of the Bosphorus. With the usual modesty of rayahs the princes reassume their former habits of submission, and the exterior of humility. They are followed in the streets only by a single servant; but at home they are surrounded by a princely and titled household: they allot to particular officers distinct portions of service, and pass the day in planning new schemes of ambition, or in receiving the secret homage of their clients and vassals.

[keywestlou]

TOBY BRUCE.....HEMINGWAY FRIEND AND CONFIDENT

Hemingway had many friends in Key West. Most we are aware of. One not as well as the rest. Telly Otto “Toby” Bruce.

The year was 1928. Hemingway and his wife Pauline were in Key West for the first time. Pauline was pregnant. She wanted to be near her mother when the child was born.

The couple remained in Key West two months and then moved to Pauline’s parent’s home in Piggot, Arkansas.

The baby came. Living was a bit tight and noisy. Hemingway was having trouble sleeping and writing.

A barn was behind the house. Toby Bruce was a Piggot furniture maker. He and Hemingway got together. Hemingway had Toby convert the barn into living quarters.

Hemingway and Toby became close friends almost immediately. The two were sad when they parted. The new family returned to Key West.

The next time they met was 1935. Hemingway had purchased the home on Whitehead Street. He asked Toby to come to Key West to build a wall around the house.

Toby came and stayed. Over the years, he became Hemingway’s man friday, driver, money holder, and secretary.

The two remained best of friends till Hemingway’s death in 1961.

Toby remained in Key West till his own death. He is buried in the Key West Cemetery.

Toby had married. Betty.

After Hemingway’s death, Hemingway’s fourth wife Mary Welsh Hemingway visited Toby and Betty. Mary stopped at Sloppy Joe’s. Hemingway had left boxes containing writings, etc. in a back room.

Mary took some of the papers with her. Left many with Toby and Betty. The papers remain today in the hands of Dink Bruce, their son.

Dink is a charming guy. Referred to as Key West Hippy Royalty. He can be found many evenings at cocktail hour at the outside deck bar at Louie’s Backyard.

Key West loves Harry Truman and Harry Truman loved Key West. Truman remains an intrinsic part of today’s Key West.

The Annual Truman Legacy Symposium will be held friday and saturday May 18-19. At the Harry S Truman Little White House. This year’s subject matter will be a review of how Truman dealt with Russia and the Cold War.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice printed a right on observation by a reader. The issue affordable housing. The reader wrote that vacation rentals are “…..a primary cause of our affordable housing problems.”

I agree. I have agreed for years. I have written re the problem.

The solution to the problem is not spending tax dollars and building affordable housing. The solution is to enforce local rental laws. Without a special license, owners cannot rent for less than 28 days.

Most do, however. As a result, homes and places that normally would rent at prices affordable to Key West’s workers, rent out at exorbitant prices by the week. Many in the thousands of dollars.

Again, the law says such a no no. However the law does not enforce its own mandate. When someone is caught, they go before a special court and promise to sin no more. The fine a reasonable one. Many return to sinning.

The law permits the hearing officer to fine such owners the exorbitant rental monies collected. Rarely is this done. If done, affordable housing construction would not be required.

Moving on to the national scene, Attorney General Sessions is my first target.

Sessions announced at a recent Arizona border enforcement conference that the “massive influx of illegal aliens across our Southernmost Border” had to stop. He had a plan to discourage the influx. Which by the way is no longer “massive.” The solution: Take children away from their parents.

What are we becoming? Separating families. Especially children from parents. Shades of Nazi Germany.

For shame!

On the same day or within days, two other matters occurred re the Trump Administration and children which confuse me.

Melania Trump came out and said her mission as First Lady were children. She had plans to help kids in various ways.

I believe her.

Her husband apparently does not see the connection between what Sessions is doing and his wife’s plans.

The other is the President himself proclaiming he was going to ask Congress to remove $15 billion in spending. Included are monies from the already approved Children’s Health Insurance Program CHIP).

Apparently, Donald and Melania do not talk to each other that much.

Washington Post columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr. recently wrote regarding Trump’s desire to close the U.S.’s southern “open borders.” His article suggested the borders are not open as Trump proclaims. He wrote that the U.S.-Mexican border is fortified, militarized and patrolled by more than 17,000 Border Patrol agents.

Trump fails to realize that being President of the United States does not make him President of the world. An example is the new U.S. Ambassador to Germany. His name Richard Grinell. He assumed the position tuesday.

He met with German representatives and advised that Germany was to immediately stop doing business with Iran. Wind down immediately!

Who does Grinell think he is? Who does Trump think he is? The Germans laughed at Grinell.

Grinell has extensive United Nations experience. He also has worked with FOX News.

Enjoy your day!

                      ��     TOBY BRUCE…..HEMINGWAY FRIEND AND CONFIDENT was originally published on Key West Lou