Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-23
HUMANITY IN K0NG0
PLEDGED BY ALBERT
New King, Ascending Throne
of Belgium, Announces Policy
to Spread Civilization.
PEOPLE ACCLAIM RULERS
ON ENTRY INTO BRUSSELS
Democratic Speech Before Parlia-
ment Wildly Cheered.
CAPITAL IS MAKING MERRY
Thousands Witness Brilliant Pa
geant-Princess and Diplomats at
Ceremonies in Chamber.
Democratic Speech Before Parlia-
ment Wildly Cheered.
CAPITAL IS MAKING MERRY

BRUSSELS December 23-Another
young monarch was added to the reign
ing sovereigns Of Europe today when
Albert I ascended the throne Of Bel
gium. The official ceremony was bril-
liant and the popular acclaim genuine
Yesterday all Belgium mourned. To-
day the somber symbols had been re-
placed with the tri-colored oriflamme. II
the Belgians respected Leopold II they
love Albert j. Everywhere there was
merrymaking; joyous cries filled the
air.
The scene in the house of parliament,
where the oath to the throne was
taken, was impressive with its gorgeous
setting Of royalty. Here the new mon
democratic tone and unequivocal ex-
pressions on the great question Of the
Belgian Kongo to attract the attention
of the world.
Humanity in the Kohgo.
Colonization should mean civilization.
said the king. The nation desired a
policy of humanity and progress in the
Kongo. and no one had a right to doubt
her promise that such policy would
be maintained.
AT daybreak the streets were again
crowded with thousands who sought posi-
fions from which they might view the
entry to the capital of Albert and Eliza
beth. Windows. balconies and roofs were
filled and standing room on wagons,
tables. chairs and ladders was sold by
enterprising SPECTATORS at .extravagaut
prices.
Preceded by Queen Elizabeth and tho
two little PRINCES. Leopold and Charles,
who occupied the royal coach Albert
made Joyous entry" to the city The
King was mounted upon a spirited charg-
er and made a striking picture in the gold
and white uniform of general.
He repeatedly acknowledged the plaudits
Of the people. He smiled with unconceal-
ed pleasure and pride as q shower of
flowers fell upon the queens coach.
The arrival Of the queen at tho hall Of
deputies was the signal for an outburst
of applause. The demonstration that fol-
lowed in honor Of the king continued for
many minutes A feeble attempt OF the
socialists to raise counter cries was
drowned in shouts of Long live the
king
King Makes His Pledges.
Standing before the assemblage of bril-
hantiy uniformed princes and foreign rep-
resentatives. bishops and senator's. Al
bert was man to be admired In an
other setting he would have passed read
lily for young college professor address,
ing his. class.
The fair hair accentuated the youthful
appearance of face that was at the
same time serious and one to attract
and hold the attention.
In an agreeable voice. and speaking de-
Iiberately, the new monarch pledged him
self to work for the social advancement
OF the nation and the elevation of the
moral and intellectual standard OF the
people He would seek. he said. to de-
velop the system of popular education.
and labor increasingly for the general
weii-being of the masses.
he PAID a nigh tribute to LeopOld III
and the latters policy in opening the
kongo to Belgian activity: He outlined
was greeted with q storm of applause a.
he declared proudly that Belgium had al
ways kept her promises. and no one had
q right to doubt her word
Later in the day the king received ,he
addresses of parliament.
1ntimates of the king informed the As
Sociated Press today that the new mon
arch proposed to apply himself with all
autton of the Kongo situation. and the
development Of that dependency. 1t is
his great ambition to justify in the eyes
Of the world the sovereignty Of Belgium
over the Kongo.
"Long Live Albert!"
King Albert and Queen Elizabeth made
their state entry into the capital from
daoken.
Cannon doomed forth a royal salute
church bells rang out merrily and hun
nreds of thousands of loyal subjects lined
the route of the regal march. crying,
sLong live Albert.' and Long live Eliz-
abeth.''
When the procession arrived at the
chamber where the oath of ascension was
TO be taken, the successor OF Leopold
I'll was given a notable reception by the
assembled senator's and deputies.
A feeble attempt of the socialists to
make republican demonstration failed
miserably. At every discordant note q
fresh burst of cheering drowned the
voices OF the malcontents.
King Albert's speech from the throne
. was an eloquent tribute to Leopold and
to his uncle, the late King Leopold II.
He declared that the latter had performed
a prodigious work in Africa with the
constant thought of enriching the nation
and increasing the economic resources OF
Belgium.
The new monarch expressed his graft
tude for foreign sympathy at the death OF
Leopold, saying that the special missions
dispatched to yesterdays funeral testified
TO the admiration felt in other countries
for the high qualities Of the late king.
Albert Defines Policy,
Turning to the subject of Belsium's
future, King Albert said:
I'VE must continue our unshakable at
tachment to constitutional liberty and the
love Of Independence, and thus hold sacred
pur patrimony while advancing toward
Continued on Second Pase)