The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-15
Deal NOT CONSUMMATED
Thomas +. Walsh to Investigate
King Leopold's Properties.
The Colorado Mining MnEnntc Dis
cusscs the Reports of His Rnsiness
Relations With the belgian Mon
arcii-TO Make Enquiries Regard
ing Holdings Along the Congo.

The Colorado bonanza king. Thomas F.
Walsh, who has but just returned from
Europe, arrived in this city last Saturday.
He has been making temporary sojourn
at his residence at Phelps Place, corner
of Leroy Street northwest, preparatory 20
leaving for the West. He makes his de-
parture for Denver today. and will be
absent from the National Capital for
some time. The inspection of his mines
will first occupy his attention. and later
he will visit the Irrigation Convention at
Chicago, which opens on the 2lst instant.
Mr.. Walsh discussed his tour of the
Continent last night and testified to the
hospitable reception accorded him by the
most prominent people abroad. The Sc
ries of entertainments given by Mrs.
Walsh, at the Elysee at Paris, he ie-
ferred to as in liae with the policy Of the
members of the American Commissioners,
who entertained on "A large scale in the
French Capital. The social events of
which Mrs. Potter Palmer was the hostess
he spoke of as being of the most elegant
character.
Referring to his reported connection
with the Belgian King, Leopold, Mr..
Walsh said:
This matter he's been very much ex-
aggerated. No agreement has yet been
entered into between King Leopold and
myself Whatever may be arranged in
the future will depend upon the vertical
ton of certain conditions. l first met the
King in Ostend. He favored me with his
attention, and rendered dinner in my
honor before we left that city. In dis
cussing general matters, King Leopold
revealed to me the nature of numerous
holdings of his, in various parts of the
world Where these holdings are, | am
not at liberty to speak, owing to-the in
ternational complications. /. OF course,
was only interested in his mineral prop
critics.
Among other things. King Leopold de-
scribed his holdings in the Congo. or
this | may speak. The King owns this
property in his own right, and without
other complications. In the Congo, cop
per has been discovered in large qnanti-
ties. as have also veins of both gold and
silver. The country is entirely undevei-
Oped and its resources are more or less
problematic.
THE King is very DESTROYS of interest
ing foreign capital in developing all of his
properties. We discussed the matter be-
tween us, while in Ostend. and later in
Paris. during October last. With view to
taking part in this enterprise. as far as 1t
related to the mineral resources. | finally
consented TO look into the matter. In fact,
if conditions are found. upon investigation
as they now appear to be, / shall surely ar
rive at an arrangement with King Leopold.
II will be in the nature OF partnership. |
cannot say what scope such an arrangement
would have. a,rr. ...-..-.
1T may be stated positively that | will
not relnuuish my Colorado holdings in any
event Colorado is my home. and the coun-
try that love. II is Gods country. and
should never be willing TO abandon it. IL
it we're not for the proposition made by
Leopold. / should naturally incline to
make all of my investments in Colorado.
The investigation of the Kings prop
cries will be conducted by my agents.
There are many experts whom | know in
the Transvaal, and | may be able TO obtain
a report on the Congo holdings without
being required to send representative
there shall not go myself. Leopold VIII
place at my disposal all the papers that
will be found necessary to substantiate his
assertions. and my action will follow upon
constellation.
Leopold is vastly wealthy. and has many
interests He has the welfare of his peo-
pie closely at heart. and has done much to
further their happiness. Poverty is little
known in Belgium. He is improving not
only the national properties, but his pri-
waite holdings as rapidly as may be done.
His interests are world wide