The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1909-12-25
ALBERT NOW KING
LeOpOld'S Nephew AsCendS
Throne of Belgium.
CEREMONY MOST BRILLIANT
New Sovereign Was Greeted With
Cheering in Parliament and
Along the Streets Promises
Reforms in Congo.

Brussels. Dec. %. 80 Prince Albert
was sworn in AS King Albert J. Of Bel
GUM At a Joint session OF bath ho1ses
Of the Belgium parliament The cere-
monies were very brilliant
Prince Albert and his wife. Princess
Elizabeth. entered the capital from
Laekcn amid the pealing OF church
bells and the firing of salutes Of 10l
guns Tho Belgian and Congolese flags
were everywhere. The streets were
crowded with people. and balconies,
windows and roofs OF houses along the
line of march 20 the chamber OF depu'
ties were also thrOnged.
When the king entered the chamber
Of deputies he was greeted with loud
and prolonged cherineg. the deputies
standing and waving their hats and
handkerchicfs The Socialists attempt
ed 10 utter republican cries but theae
were drowned by the cheers
The new king I'm his speech to the
members of the parliament dwelt on
the prodigles which King Leopold II.
had accomplished in Africa with the
constant endeayor OF enrichIng the
nati0n. lie continued:
THE time has come for Belgium 10
think Of her destiny and examine the
needs OF the future. Belgium Is rich
and happy. but riches create duties
for peoples as well as for individ
uals."
In his speech from the throne King
Albert expressed his thanks to the
various foreign governments for their
messages Of sympathy on the death OF
lis uncle. and said their action In
sending special missions TO attend the
funeral testified 10 their admiration
of the late kings high qualities. King
LeopOld's constant thought he said.
was for the enrichment Of the nation
and the increase Of the country's eco
monte resources.
Referring To the Congo. the king
said In the Congo the nation desires
policy OF humanity and progress TO
be pursued. The colonlzing mission
can be but \ mission OF high civiliza.
ton. Belgium has always kept her
promises. and when she undertakes
to apply a policy worthy Of her In the
Congo nobody has a right to doubt her
word
In conclusion. the king said: The
throne has certain prerogatiyes and
certain responsibilities. The sovereign
must be a servant OF the law and
supporter OF social peace. love my
country and the queen shares with me
an unalterable feeling Of fidelity to
Belgium. which we are intoxicating In
our children. Before the country |
take a pledge TO DO my duty scrupu-
lousy and 10 concentrate all my
strength and life 10 the service OF the
fatherland.
The speech was received with con
slant and prolonged outbursts Of cheer
ing. and al the conclusion the au-
dience arose and shouted "Vlye lie
Roy" "Vive la Reine,"
The Socialists attempted TO make
counter demonstration. but their cries
were drowned by the enthusiastic
cheers for King Albert and Queen Eliz-
abeth.
A. the conclusion Of the ceremony
the king and queen returned to the
palace where they appeared on the
balcony and were accorded a great
ovation by an enormous crowd that
assembled about the building
The Socialists have issued a mani
festo In which they declare their in
tention OF gaining a Social Democratic
republic against all the reactionary
PARTIES