New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-02-10


IMPORTANT BUSINESS
Washington, Feb 0.-Judge Lambert Tree, O
member of the Monetary Conference who was for
a number Of years our Minister in Belgium, gave
me Yesterday a most interesting view of Leopold
II the King of Belgium. 1t is a most Interesting
and correct picture. Judge Tree has had such
wide knowledge of European affairs and such an
acquaintance that his comparisons and deductions
have great value in making careful estimate of
the character of this notable monarch
II the Belgian King had been called upon 10
rule over any one of the frst-cass Powers he
would undoubtedly be considered the greatest
monarch of his time There is no ruler in Europe
who is his equal in point of accomplishments,
ability and breadth of mind. lie is tall, with
straight, well-buit figure. lie has q refined face.
lis features regular. The lower part of his
face is set of by short brown beard. Although
he is ifty-scven years of age, he shows little
trace of the sorrows and trials he has been called
upon to endure in his reign. lie is Woodworking
monarch He leads most regular life lie Is
refined in all of his tastes and is devoted TO study
and the advancement of his country. He is al
WAYS in his bed before o o'clock at night unless
kept up by some special court function As
soon as he is out Of bed in the morning he dresses
and goes out for ride on horseback Sometimes
this continues for an hour He is always out OF
doors for half an hour at least. and in nearly
all weathers. Then he comes back to his bath
and his coffee, and at once addresses himself 10
his work. This continues during the morning
lie goes carefully over every bit of his correspond
ence and the papers laid before him by his Min
listers. lie also receives during the morning num-
erous delegations lie is an accessible man. Any
one who has any real business with him finds no
fruu
position who wish to see him can readily have an
interview. when the demand is formulated by
heir Ministers. The morning is taken up with
correspondence ard the reception of delegations
After his second breakfast the King goes back
10 his study and works hard upon public husl-
ness until dinner. He is nearly always at work
Occasionally he is obliged to take part in the
fccs or royal functions Of the year. These are
almost his ONLY Iccrchtions Even his evenings
are devoted 10 work. lie is student fond of
abstruse subjects. and is thoroughly wcll-verScd
in the literature of the day.
lie is devoted to art. lie has done more than
any other modern ruler for the advancement of
art in his kingdom. Indeed, one of the stronG
elements in the success of the present Belgian
school is the support that has been given by this
predetermined. refined and scholarly King. lie is
constantly looking out for new talent. He is
apprccatiye eye and he is almost always the first
u discover talent in a young artist. lie even
goes about to the studios of Brussels hunting for
some one to encourage. At the annual exhibit
tons he goes through the collection carefully, and
when liz discovers any new artist of talent he in
Nariably purchases his picture. This always
brings to the artist favor and additional orders.
An artist who has sold some of his work TO the
King is regarded a successful man. For IT Is
generally known that the King is not indis-
eliminate in his praises and that where he approves
the artist is deserving. In the same fashion he
goes out Of his way to encourage sculptorS. lie
steals every now and then an hour from his busy
days to sit for some young and unknown sculptor
whom he has found to be deserving of encourage
ment. This gives great stimulus to art study
and work. The young artists of Belgium know
that in him they alwayG have friend at court.
lie is widely travelled man for European
ruler Before he came 10 the throne he travelled
all through Europe and even went far east as
China His mind has, therefore, been broadcned
by unusual opportunities Of observation afforded
by his numerous journeyings To-day he often
visits France. Germany and England, although he
rarely goes farther away from home than that.
lie is a splendid horSeman and has served as
military officer for a number of years. lie Is
fond of outdoor life and keeps his iron health
and vigOr through his devotion to horseback en-
crcise He is a wonderful lingust. lie speaks
French German English, Flemish Spanish and
Italian with such ease and such accuracy that he
would be able to address any public assembly III
either one of these languages. lie is much IN
tcrestcd in the United States. IT is one OF the
secret desires Of his heart to be able to visit this
country lie will not in all probability be able
10 go so far away from home. lie u.s. however.
much interested in this country and is thoroughly
familiar with its institutions. lie watches CLOSELY
our material development the march of our IN
dustries and our new discoveries in science and IN
the world of inventions.
The Belgian King occupies neutral position IN
politics lie is not supposed to have any PoHtics'
Yet, notwithstanding this expectation, the King
is profound politician and understands well the
art of getting on with the leaders of both sides
lie is an elegant writer. lie makes model pub
lie address He is ready speaker, and always
saws lust the right thing. No one has ever yet
convicted him of saying word too much, or
of uttcring any phrases which require afterWafd
explanation or defence. His intellectual express
SONS are cean-cut and clear. His opinions are
decided and not colOrless, but at the same tlme
,bev are always expressed with such moderation
ord sucb rood taste that no offence is given 70
,bo.s who disagree with his views He is always
ready TO take part in any movement for puDhc
good. He is identified closely with the develop
mept Of all hc,insitutons of learning and for the
advancement of human knowledge. lie Is pas
sionately devoted TO music, ard does as much for
lis announcement as he docs for art
A number Of years ago. when Belgian capiaNs'S
formed a company for the exploration ana deVei-
opment of the Congo River the King was eiec'ed
president Of this association. HIS motlNe IN as
sociating himself with this enterprise was Vnc "u
vancement of civilization in the DARK anu o'niS"'
81 ro,,ions Of barborism. II has since been said
,Lo. ,ho KING aimed at the founding OF great
froo Stoto which should bc n monument to the
uomorv Of his only son. who died some years ago
Wheeler this is true or not, his motives were en-
tirelv free from any selfish purpose. lie advanced
" -, lie ,ri,otn nurse for this eNpcdI-