Evening journal., 1909-12-14
HATED
In OTHER COURTS
characterized Often as the
King Of the Demi-
Monde
PROSPERITY CROWNED
HIS BUSINESS VENTURES

King Leopold II, OF Belgium, was prob
ably the most hated Of an Of the mon
archs Of modern times everywhere but
in HIS own country. Hc maintained his
popularity there. however. By utilizing a
part Of his great wealth to relieve his
poorer subjects Of pressing wants, and
by diplomatic system Of honoriug the
Belgian nobility, prevented any serious
criticism Of his acts by tho upper classes.
4 In any walk of lifo no would have been
a leader and although utterly dlssolute
characterized often as the "Niug Of the
Demi Monde OF an Europe" his people
were willing TO turn forsvins eye to
his vices in return for tho material pros
perlty that resulted from his business
ventures.
Born on April .. 1855. the son Of King
Leopold ], former Prince of Sake Coburg
Gotha. and Of Princess LOUISE daughter
OF the late King Louis Philippe OF the
French. he was thirty years old when,
on the death Of his father, he ascended
the Belgian throne on December 10, 1856.
Twelve years before that time he had
married Queen Marie Henrietta. who died
on September 19, 1907 She was the daugh-
ter Of the Archduke Joseph Of Austria.
His family life was for years a scandal
amidst the thrones Of Europe and no has
been estranged from his daughters for
years, although SO far as tine public knew
he was I'm accord with other members OF
his family. His heir is Prince Albert. son
OF Prince Philip, Count Of Flanders, his
brother
shrewd in Diplomacy.
SO snrewd has Leopold been, so thor
oughly conversant with the details OF
International politics, that he maintained
the unity Of the Belgium kingdom and
fostered its prosperity through periods Of
turmoil as well as through the times of
peace. Many times It has been rumored
that other nations were TO interfere to
depose him from the throne but always
Leopold emerged triumphant more secure
than ever In the position.
The one great disappointment Of Leo
pold's life was the death of the only male
offspring Of his marriage, Prince Leopold
Count of Hainault, who at the age Of II
was seized with a fatal illness. From that
time King Leopold lived only for his Owl
pleasure, but while securing that he alsC
amassed a princely private fortune anc
It is estimated that he was worth half {
billion dollars when stricken with his
present illness.
Although throughout his long careei
King Leopold was apparently a col,
blooded self-seek voluptuary and monel
grabber, he had a few redeeming qualities
He has always prided himself ON the fac
that he adhered TO a promise made hi
mother and refused to sign death war
rant His enormous interests IN the Congo
30 long held as a personal possession nj
to revert at his death to the Belgian ia
ton.
When years younger Leopold was know
as the best horseman I'm Europe; he wa
a most ardent politician, and expert linsu
ist and a clever public speaker but all thi
has been lost to sight in recent years out
side Of Belgium and he has been bes
known as the Vampire Of the Congo"
Exploited Congo.
II Is fully admitted that Leopold wa
the developer Of tho industries OF TIN
Congo Free state and unless host o
: creditable witnesses have told Hes abou
D him, Leopold was one OF the most sin
lister and terrible figures 70 be met in con
nection with the blood stained annals o
the Dark Continent.
His cruelties in the Congo. where regi
ments Of natives were butoherod an
4 manned by his orders. made a world scan
dal and lined the old kings pockets wit
millions. He operated as his persona
property the immense rubber concession
Of the Central African territory. His do
nestle life has been the unhappiest 4
Europe
Leopold's business acumen made hir
N ambitious to WELD an influence boyon
the borders of his little kingdom and &
he set about the exploit Of the Cong
state when reports OF its natural resouI
oes we're brought to Europe by explorer
He established an empire there, auto
cratic and domineering. He invested, a
told. something like 100000 and ho dre'
from his speculation over S5.OO0OOO a veal
His profits arose exclusively from his Ioc
OF tho ivory trade and from his exactio
- Of an enormous tribute from the Indl
Z rubber business.
In the highlands Of Congo. he set on
to develop the gold mining industr
through the operations Of T. F. Walsh. Z
Colorado. who was practically the King
business manager and silent partner.