Birmingham age-herald., 1895-09-21
COUNCILL AND THE KING
Our Educator Talks With LeoroId-PosSibi- ties in the Congo Free State for
 Live Afro-Amercans.


 Huntsville,' Sept. 19.-(Special Corre- | spondence )-Prof William H. Couneill, principal of the State Normal college for colored students, situated four miles northeast of this city, has recently re- turned from an extended trip through Europe and has furnished your corre- spondent the following interesting ac- count Of an interview he had with the king of the Belgians. As is known, Pro- lessor Councill is one of the most intel lgent, advanced thinkers and success ful educators of his race in this country, and has mertoriously attained national reputation. While in Europe Professor Councill was entertained by many dis tinguished people and was warmly re- eeiVed by some of the nobility. Among his visits was one to his majesty Leo pold king of the Belgians, by whom he was cordially received, spending n hour or two discussing the affairs of the Congo Free State. Professor Councill called his majesty's attention to a telegram widely circulated in the press of the United States about the list of July, stat ing that MT. Carter of California had been engaged by his majesty to carry ne groes to the Congo Free State. The kingi promptly denied having any such core spondence or agency in the United States. On the other hand, he said that the Congo Free State is not ready to re- ceive immigrants and will not be until the main line of railroad shall have been completed. This, the king said would be done in about two, years. His majesty said that he desired able bodied, well educated, industrious. colored- men. just such as are being turned out of the in- dustrial schools of America to do the la. bor and take charge offthe general busi- ness of that great territory. He would give hundreds of them splendid posi- sol arlxS (aS hiC- mai nrn nounced the word clerk} The king, said that as French will be the business Ian guage of the Congo State, the young col ored men should now begin the study of that tongue. "But," said his majesty, that need not bother much, as bright young man can pick up enough French in little while for business purposes" King Leopold assured Professor Coun- cill that young men recommended by him, would be most favorably considered King Leopold is quite easy in his man. ner and makes every one feel easy in his | presence. Professor Councill is strong | temperance man. neither smoking nor l drinking, but his majesty is a great | smoker, and Therein hangs a tale" When l Professor Council was announced by | the chamberlain of the king, his majesty was enjoying rich cigar. He arose. warmly shaking hands, invited the pro- l lessor to a seat, remarking at the same | time: "F
 IS d ClSd al OlltllSlNe lO yOu No, your majesty" said Professor Councill.f. '4 ,esl4s 7sf
 Perhaps you will have one yourself" | said Leopold. .ss.f ts. ,'.,7
 q thank your majesty, but I do not smoke" said the professor. What! you do not smoke? Do you think it sin to smoke?'
 Your majesty, do not think 1t a sin to smoke" returned the professor.
 Then why do you not ismoke?" asked b;e, ia-fx ,,.i<. .clx
 The professor thought he saw a chance to score one, strengthened himself in his great chair, and said:
 "Only as an example, your ma ajesty, for my boys" s-.-
 Ugh" said the king with the usual German shrug. ''when We get the Congo state opened up we expect to make tobacu co raising our greatest business L.,,s.t
 Professor Councill, seeing everything about to slip from his-grasp, quickly re- piled: Then your ma ajesty, when we get the Congo opened lip we will all smoke"
 The kings shoulders came down in great satisfaction and all had a hearty laugh. .strf
 At the conclusion of the interview the king was warm in expressions of grat-
 fication at having met the professor and invited him to call again.
 Professor Councill also attended Rev. Stephen E. Gladstone'sa church, and was introduced by that rector to his father, the great w. E. Gladstone. spending one or two hours in the Gladstone castle at Hawarden. 7sa aes---4 a...Fs
 Archdeacon St. William Sinclair of London gave Professor Councill letters and cards of Introduction by which he was ena bled ito see London and study its educational systems to great advantage.
 The Rt. Hon. Hubert Gladstone, son of the grand old man sent the profess sor a pass into parliament