Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-21
King Leopold's Fine Reply.

5 King Leopold, replying yesterday to
deputation OF Belgian statesmen presenting
him with an address of congratulation on
his escape from the assassin's bullet said:
The times are very troubled. Agitators
are constantly stirring up their followers
10 disturb that order which is the guaran-
tee of public liberties. Without order only
license remains, which leads inevitably to
despotism. These agitators find In their
path, firstly, the heads of states. II they
fail TO reach them they attack their wives,
as in the case of the horrible drama at
Geneva. Their blows are also aimed at
ministers, as in the case Of Senior Canovas,
and they also blow up the houses of private
individuals. They want to intimidate US,
but they will not succeed Even If they
struck down the head of the state 1t would
make no difference, as he would soon be re-
placed. In addition to revolver shots they
employ the pen, which can write what
calumnies they please. l am nearing the
end of my life. l do not know how long I
shall live-how long they will let me live.
But l can assure you that all the rest of
my existence will be devoted within the
limits of my constitutional powers to the
good of my country and the protection of
It's liberties
The personal character of this ruler has
not secured for him a high place in the
worlds esteem. He may not be as black as
he has been painted. But he Is undoubtedly
a p!easure-hunter, and he has failed to hold
himself with that regard for public opinion
and public usefulness which exalted station
commands. The fierce light that beats upon
a throne has revealed spots at Brussels
which have subjected the occupant of the
throne there to much severe and deserved
criticism
The tone of his brief deliverance, how
ever, could not possibly be better. 1t
breathes the spirit of true manhood. 1t Is
worthy Of the best ruler that ever admin
istered great trust. 1t takes the measure
Of anarchiSm with accuracy, and 1t presents
to the miscreants who set all law and hu-
mainly at defiance a front unafraid. 1t will
probably soften in many quarters the harsh
judgments that have been passed upon the
author. and bring him in reach of popular
sympathy. 1t comes late, but better late
than never.
The militant anarchists now and then
make good deal of noise, but in no quar-
ter are they making progress in the direc-
ton of their professed aims. They are
breaking down government nowhere The
rulers of the world move about with but
little restraint. Their public duties are all
fearlessly discharged. They bear them
selves with ease in the largest crowds
When one is shot at without effect he con-
tinues his journey as If nothing unusual
had occurred. When one is fatally wounded
he dies with composure. and leaves'a mes
sage of triumph to his people. Demoraliza-
ton never follows. Russia Italy, France
and the United States twice, within twenty
years, lost the head Of the state wit hout ex-
periencing a moments interruption of the
orderly conduct of affairs. The legitimate
successor in every case took up his task at
once and found ready acceptance at the
hands of the country.
The anarchists, on the other hand, are
confronted by a watchfulness on the part
OF the police that makes it almost impos-
sible for the creature who executes, or at
tempts to execute, his bloody purpose to
escape capture. He is caught with his
smoking weapon in his hand, and his fate
from that moment is sealed