The Washington herald., 1906-12-16
GIBBONS ON CONGO
Prelate Denies that He Is
Not Familiar with Rule.
DEFENDS LEoPOLD'S REGIME
Tells World in Public statement
That Belgian Monarch Rules Africa
with Kind Hand-TRIk of MGIad-
ministration Untrue, He Ayers, After
Hearing from Missionaries.

special 20 The Washington Herald
Baltimore. Nd, Dec. l5-Cardiual Glib
bons tonight replied as follows 20 the
changes made by Dr. Guinness yesterday.
I have observed in the papers that an
emissary OF the Congo Reform Associa-
ton has made a personal attack on me for
my attitude in defending King Leopold s
Congo administration against these unjus-
tifable attacks, and / feel very grateful
TO the reverend gentlemen who were good
enough. on that occasion, 20 set up and
defend me I note, however. that even
my defenders excused me ON the ground
Of my ignorance of the question Ny po-
sition on the matter has always been very
clear ! have naturally means Of keeping
/ in close touch with the situation through
our missionaries, who are on the spot.
There has been a great amount of eX-
aggeration in these stories OF maladminis-
tration. The King is wise, as well as
humane. ruler and we hear through mis-
slOnary sources that whenever cases OF
cruelty have OCCuTred-as such things will
occur under every human government
the King has been prompt to redress such
abuses and TO punish the offenders. His
recent DEGREES granting the natives add
tional lands. and amelioratlng the condi-
ton of the Iaborers, are an added evidence
Of his desire TO DO everything possible for
the good of his African subjects. ! under
stand that these new laws are now being
put in operation as rapidly as possible
throughout the Congo State.
Animated by jealousy.
Il fear this agitation against King
Leopold's administration is animated
partly by religious jealousy and partly
by commercial rivalry. 1t is to be hoped
that the individuals who are carrying it
on will not be successful in their efforts
10 induce the great powers of the earth
to interfere in the affairs OF small
nation The Belgian nation is small, but
they are a brave people. and, as indicated
by the action Of their Parliament yester-
day, they stand solidly by their King in
supporting his African regime.
In our schooIboy days. the most
odlous and contemplate creature we used
/ to encounter was the bully who played
| the tyrant toward the weak. But stiu
more intOleTable is a bully nation that
picks a quarrel with a feeble nation with
the base intent Of seizing her possessions,
playing the role that King Ahab enacted
toward NabOth
Missionaries Report FavOrabIy.
With the attitude of the American
government I do not concern myself. as
/ said before, / have means of informa-
| ton through the missionaries in the field,
and I have no doubt the American gov
eminent viii be fully informed of the
situation through its consul general out
| there, who, 1 am told has only recently
arrived in the Congo and has not yet had
time TO send in report. He VIII no
| doubt soon set at rest these false accu-
sations against King Leopolds admins
tration, which has brought civilization
and Christianity TO Central Africa
Il may add that in defending the Bel
/ gian administration of the Congo I have
no personal OF selfish motive to subserve,
/ but am actuated solely by q sense Of
| justice and fair play. Ny zeal is quick
/ ened by the very consideration that the
assault is made upon a weaker power.
/ would willingly make the same defense
/ in behalf of Holland Sweden. Denmark,
or any of the weaken powers If circum-
stances demanded" /"