The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-15
CRISIS IN CASE WILL
COME IN THREE DAYS
While the King Shows Great Recovery
From the Effects of Surgical
Treatment Physicians Are
Dubious Over Result.

Brussels, December liking Leopold
today underwent an operation and as
founded his physicians by the manner in
which he withstood it. His remarkable
recuperative power was manifested di-
rectly he regained consciousness and the
optimistio spirit which he has shown
throughout the course of his illness re-
turned to him.
The King expressed satisfaction when
informed of the details of the operation
which was for the relief of a simple OBJ
struction of the intestines.
Tonight the King is making a plucky
fight for life He was even strong
enough to sign the new military law just
passed my the senate. 1t is understood
that the real feeling of his physicians and
of his household is not so hopeful as
the official bulletins would indicate.
The crisis probably will last three days.
The last member of the diplomatic corps
to seek Leopold was the American min
lister, Henry Lane Wilson, who was re-
ceived a fortnight ago on farewell visit,
preparatory to his departure to his new
post in Mexico.
The audience was most interesting.
The King spoke in admiration of and
paid warm tribute to Mr.. Taft. He
asked the minister to convey his respects
TO the President with wishes of a con-
tinued successful administration.
The King said:
"But l do hope the United States will
change from her drastic attitude on the
Congo"
Gravity of Illness.
The gravity Of thu EEsinGss Illness be-
came apparent only d 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.
In view OF the Kings condition interest
Is concentrated upon Prince Albert Leo
pold the heir presumptive. son of the
late Count of Flanders, King Leopold's
brother.
Prince Albert is in striking contrast to
his uncle. He is distinctively family
man and is happily welded. He has
travelled and studied in America and is
a great student of economics and poll
tics, often lecturing in public.
The prince, moreover, is popular with
the people, whose sympathies and respect
he is certain to win as sovereign.
Today has been doubly momentous in
Belgian history. In the presence of
Prince Albert, who has hereditary right
to seat. the senate adopted with the
concurrence OF the chamber a military
law which vitally concerns the country,
which has aroused intense discussion,
and which early threatened to overturn
the cabinet. t.-..s
The measure isvolves the complete re-
versal Of the system of recruiting the
army 1t previds for the service of one
SON in each family, instead of geenral
recruit by lot but more important than
this they are forbidden to hire substi
tutes as in the recent crisis in Spain.
where outright evasion of service by the
wealthy, through the payment of money.
aroused the anger of the populace.
Feeling Of the People.
So far as the Kings illness is con-
cerned. evidences of the Indifference of
the people with reference to a change in
sovereigns Is seen. The newspapers are re-
stricting themselves to brief accounts OF
the development OF the malady and dis
Greet allusions to the Kings domestic
tragedies, but they make practically no
comment ON Leopold himself, or the des-
tinies OF the country.
The Belgians, however, are loyal to
the King, and have the greatest admira-
tion for his great intellect and genius.