The San Francisco call., 1909-12-15
AGED MONARCH
MAKES PLUCkY
Fight FOR LIFE
AstOunds Surgeons by Remark
able ReCuperative Powers
After Operation
Eyes of Country Now Fixed On
Prince Albert, Who Will
Succeed to Throne

OuSSSSu tO lHTOnS
BRUSSELS. Dec. liking Leopold
today underwent most serious opera
uon and astounded science by the man
ner in which he withstood it,
His remarkable recuperative powers
manifested themselves directly he re-
gained consciousness and the optimis-
tie spirit which he has shown through
out his illness returned to him. He
expressed satisfaction when Informed
OF the details of the operation. which
was for relief Of simple obstruction of
the intesunes.
PLUChN FIGHT FOR LIFE
Tonight the king is making a
plucky fight for life. He was even
strong enough TO sign the new mill
tary law just passed by the senate.
Bun the battle has not been completely
won. 1t is understood that the real
feeling Of his physicians and house
hold is not so hopeful as official bulle-
tins would indicate The crisis prob
ably viii last three days There is a
possibility that the intestine Will be
gripped by paralysis danger that
always causes anxiety on the part Of
surgeons-and in that event a recur-
renee Of the obstruction is likely and
another operation necessary.
Leopold emerged from the operation
with regular pulse and cheerful. He
was so talkstive that the doctors were
obliged to warn him. after which the
pa aent fell into light, refreshing
slumber. The condition OF his majesty
tonight is stated to be satisfactory
GREErS AMERICAN MINISTER
The last member of the diplomatic
corps 10 see King Leopold was the
American minister. Henry Lane Wilson,
who was received 2 fortnight ago on
2 farewell visit preparatory TO his de-
parture TO HIS new post in Mexico.
The audience was most interesting
The kins was in the gayest of spirits.
greeting Wilson and his wife with
great cordiality. Following his habit
when ia good humor. he conversed in
English. in which he is an adept and
expressed regret that the minister was
leaving He spoke in admiration Of
Taft, referring 10 him as q great lead
er and great president.
He asked the minister to convey his
respects TO the president. with wishes
Of & continued successful administra-
tion. Then he added iaughingly:
But ! 90 hope the United States will
change from her drastic attitude on
Congo"
The gravity OF the kings illness
became apparent only A few days ago.
and, while an operation was finally
decided upon as imperative, the fact
that the king was unable to retain
nourishment. and thereby lost strength
rapidly. gave rise to serious doubts as
TO his ability to withstand the shock.
CROWN PRINCE IN PUBLIC EYE
In view of the condition of the king
interest is concentrated upon Prince
Albert Leopold. heir presumptive. son
OF the late count Of Flanders, King Leo
polds brother. Prince Albert is a
striking contrast TO his uncle. He is
distinct family man. happily married.
lie has Travelled and studied in America
nd is a great student of economies and
politics. often lecturing in public
Nevertheless he has modern tastes
and is a splendid horseman and is in
tcrosted in aviation and motoring He
has even made a flight in a dirigible
Ills frank. good natured face bespeaks
Intelligence and invites confidence.
The art shops in the city are freely
exhibiting in their window pictures Of
the royal family--above. King Leopold
aged austere and reserved. below
Prince Albert, young. brilliant and
pleasant. Moreover. the price is. pop
ular with the people. whose sympathy
and respect he is certain TO win as SOW
ereign.
Today has been doubly MON entous in
Belgian history In the presence of
Prince Albert, who has hereditary
right TO a seat. the senate adopted, with
the concurrence of the chamber. a mill
tary law that vitally concerns the coun-
cussion and once threatened to over
turn the cabinet.
REVERsES RECRUITING SYSTEM
The measure involves the complete
reversal of the system of recruiting the
army. II provides for the service Of
one son in each family. instead Of gem
eral recruitment by lot. but, more i'm
portant, they are forbidden TO hire sub
stitutes. in the recent crisis in Spain
outright evasion Of service by the rich
through the payment of money aroused
the anger Of the people.
King Leopold favors the law and his
supporters have been most anxious that
he should have the opportunity TO at
tach his signature to it,
So far as the kings illness is con-
cerned there are evidences of the indif-
ference Of the people with reference to
a change in sovereigns. The news
papers az iSS~4 -S~AHS themselves 10
brief accounts of the development of
the malady and discreet illusions to the
kings domestic tragedies. but they
make practically no comment on Leo
pold himself nor on the destinies Of
the country.
The Belgisns, however. are loyal TO
the king and have the greatest admi-
ration for his great Intellect and
genius While they do not forget that
Iseopolds administration in the Congo
created a storm.of internationa accusa-
ton and almost endangered the coun-
trv's honor all parties are now united
on the Congo policies. as they regard
the Congo independent state as an i'm
rnense field for Belgian enterprises
They remember also that il was King
Leopold who gave such material deve-
lOment TO Belgium.