New-York tribune., 1909-12-24
NOW KING ALBERT
PROMISES REFORMS.
Ciuilized Policy Outlined for
the Congo.

Brussels. Dec 23.-Albert I ascended
the throne OF Belgium to-day. The on
cial ceremony was brilliant and the pOpu-
lar acclaim apparently genuine Yester-
day all Belgium mourned To-day the
sombre symbols OF mourning had been re-
placed with the trf-coIored orifamme
The scene IN the House OF Parliament.
where the oath 20 the throne was taken,
was impressive with it's gorgeous setting
Of royalty. Here the new monarch made
an address destined by It's democratic tone
and unequivocal expressions on the great
question OF the Belgian Congo 70 attract the
attention OF the world Colonization
should mean civilization. said the King
The nation desired a policy OF humanity
and progress IN the Congo. and no one
had a right 20 doubt her promise that
such a policy would be maintained.
At dsybreak the streets were again
crowded with thousands who sought posi-
tions from which they might view the
entry 10 the capital OF Albert and Eliza
beth. Windows. balconies and roofs we're
filed. as were wagons. tables. chairs and
ladders. standing room on which was sold
by enterprising spectators az extravagant
prices.
Preceded by Queen Elizabeth and the
who occupied the royal coach. Albert made
a picturesque entry into the city. The King
was mounted upon a spirited charger. and
made striking picture in the gold and
white uniform Of a general he repeat
edly acknowledged the plaudits OF the peo-
pie and smiled with unconcealsd pleasure
as a shower Of flowers fell upon the
Queens coach
he g-af - LTa1T
OF Deputies was the signal for an Outburst
OF applause. while the demonstration that
followed in honor OF the King continued
for many minutes. feeble attempt OF
the Socialists TO raise counter cries was
drowned In shouts OF Long live the
King"'
Standing before the assennblage % princes
and foreign representatives. bishops and
senator's. the uniforms OF which made a
brilliant picture. Albert was an interest
ing figure. In another setting he would
have passed readily for a young college
professor addressing his class. The fair
hair accentuated the youthful appearance
of a face that was al the same time
serious and one 20 attract and hold the
attention In an agreeable voice, and
speaking deliberately. the new monarch
pledged himself 20 work for the social ad-
vancement of the nation and the elevation
OF the moral and intellectual standard u
the people. He would seek. he said. TO
develop the system OF popular education
and labor increasingly for the general we'll
being OF the masses.
He paid a high tribute 20 Leopold III and
the latters policy IN opening the Congo
20 Belgian activity. He outlined pro-
gramme OF humanity and progress. and
was greeted with a storm OF applause as
he declared proudly that Belgium had
always kept her promises and no one had
Justification for doubling her word.
Turning 20 the subject OF BeIgiun's fut-
ure King Albert said;
We must continue our unshakabla at
tachment 10 constitutional liberty and the
love OF independence. and thus hold sacred
the peaceful COnquests IN the fields OF
labor and science. In the Congo the ma
ttor wishes a policy OF humanity and prog
ress enforced The mission ~ cOIOnfza. -
tion cannot be other than a mission OF high
civilization
The throne has It's prerogatives and its
respOn sibilities The sovereign must be the
servant Of the law and the supporter OF
social peace. love my country and the
Queen shares with me an unalterabIe feel
ing OF fidelity 20 Be gium. which we are
intoxicating also in our chndren
Your welcome touches me deeply, and
shown in me. and now before the country
] pledge myself 70 do my Cuty sCrupuIOUs-
~ and 20 consecrate all my strength and
nv whole life 20 the service OF the Father
land.
Loud cheering which had frequently in
terrupted the speaker greeted the close
or the speech As the final pledge was