The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-14

be our judge" OF late years he has been
money, which, il is said, is increasing with
age and must be gratified at all costs. lie
is to-day one of the richest men in the
world. But there is reason TO pelleNe thaI
much of the enormous wealth ne is amass-
ing is TO be devoted to the good of his coun-
try. Already he has given enormous dona-
lions to his people, among them being part
of his park and the splendid Conservatives
at Laeken, with their up-keep coming 10
the nation at his death). the Chateau De
CiergnOn and the beautiful Chateau Des
Ardennes.
That he should lose his only son from a
chill after the measles was terrible blow
to his ambition, and II is said tnat TINS.
and the lack OF sympathy between himselI
and the late Queen, is the reason for much
of his home unhappiness. He presents an
iron front TO the terrible blows that Fate
has dealt him in his home circle. and no
one knows how much he has suffered be-
meath them. His nephew, Prince Albert,
only surviving son of the Kings brother,
the rather deaf Count of Flanders. Will be
his heir If the count resigns his claims to
the throne which, il is said the King
wishes and the count desires, but which the
countess does not like to relinquish. The
King has carefully supervised the education
of Prince Albert, that he shall be thor
oughly able TO take the reins of govern
ment when necessary. He Is extremely at
tached to Princess Albert, daughter of Duke
Charles Theodore of Bavaria, who has won
his extra good graces by adding two little
sons to the direct line.
LIKES THE UNITED STATES.
When asked by one of his ministers IL he
was satisfied with the progress made by
Prince Albert along the special path to the
throne laid down for him by the King, His
Majesty said:
Eyes, and 1 consider it a particular mark
of intelligence. that when offered his choice
of tour as heir to the throne, he selected
America, because there he could learn
most"
The King has indeed always greatly IA
vored Americans, and wherever he hears OF
any American of note being in Belgium he
invariably invites him either to Laeken or
Ostend. Thus. hearing that Mr.. Richard
son. of the United States Congress, was
in Belgium, the King sent for him, gave
him a most cordial reception. and pre-
scented him to the Senate. bidding him TO
both luncheon and dinner. His Majesty
line of steamers from New York to Os-
tend, his greatest wish being to see Bel
GUM a maritime power commercially and
has frequently said that it was always a
America which first recognized the Congo
Free State when Mr.. Sanford was minis
ter to Brussels
''The date of April %, 1884," says the
the Congo Company by the United States.
has always been remembrance to me or
great pleasure"
The King can converse fiuently in En-
glish, German, French and Flemish. and
was hugely delighted when he heard an
American say, on leaving an audience,
why, the King speaks like an American. p"
He has, indeed, the greatest admiration for
America, her institutions and the business
capacity of her people, which exactly ap-
peals to him. 1t is curious that he should
be so attracted by a republican country,
for. though he has ever strictly adhered
to the Constitution, IL ever q man was a
born autocrat by character II Is Leopold ii.
Though exceedingly exacting in the work
he demands, his instructions are so pre-
else, so clear and so explanatory that ii is
q pleasure as well as q pride to work for
him. He is just, generous when we'll served,
and his personality TO those who know him
well inspires affection and devotion. He
never forgets face, a service, or, indeed,
an Ill turn.
Despite unkind rumors the King is ex-
tremely devoted to his sister, Princess
Charlotte, widow of the Inflated Emperor
Macmillan of Mexico and though her
mental condition makes visit far from al
ways pleasant, his Majesty never fails to
call at the Castle of Bouchout twice or
thrice a week. The sad stories of his
daughters, Princess Louise of Coburg and
of Princess Stephanie, are too well known
to need mention here. There are troubles
in most families, and ii should be remem-
bered that the public never knows the
whole truth of such reports as have been
circulated concerning them.
j. Z. WHITLEY.
copyright, 1904, by Curtis Brown.l