New-York tribune., 1909-12-15
LEOPOLD BETTER
OPERATION ON KING.
Hope Expressed for His Maj
esty's Recovery.

Brussels Dec. liking Leopold un-
derwent to-day a most serious opera
ton. His remarkable recuperative pow
ers were shown as soon as he regained
consciousness. and the optimistic spirit
which has marked the course OF his Ill
ness returned 10 him. He expressed sat
isfaction when informed of the details
of the operation. which was for relief OF
a simple obstruction OF the intestine.
The King is making tonight plucky
fight for life. He was even strong
enough to sign the new military law.
just passed by the Senate. II is under
stood. however, that the real feeling OF
his physicians and household is not so
hopeful as the official bulletins would
indicate. The crisis probably will last
three days. There is a possibility that
the intestine will be gripped by paralysis
"a danger that always causes anxiety
on the part of the surgeon-in which
case a recurrence Of the obstruction is
likely and another operation would be
necessary.
Leopold emerged from the operation
with a regular pulse and cheerful. He
was so talkative that the doctors were
obliged to warn him. after which the pa
tient fell into light. refreshing sleep.
The condition of his majesty tonight is
said 20 be satisfactory, and that there
need be no fear. unless unforeseen COM
plications arise.
MINISTER WILSON'S RECEPTION.
The last member OF the diplomatic
corps 10 Sc King Leopold was the
American Minister. Henry Lane Wilson,
who was received a fortnight ago on Il
farewell visit. preparatory TO his depart
ure TO his new post in Mexico. The aU-
dience was most interesting. The King
was in the gayest OF spirits. greeting
Mr.. Wilson and his wife with great cor
diality. Following his habit, when in
good humor. he talked in English and ex-
pressed regret that the minister was
leaving. He paid a warm tribute TO
Mr. Taft. referring 10 him as a great
leader and great President. He asked
the minister 10 convey his respects 20
the President. with wishes OF a con-
tinued successful administration. Then
he added laughingly:
But do hope that the United States
will change her drastic attitude on
Congo"
The King complained that he was
bothered with rheumatism. but he looked
well When alIuding to Leopold's bad
foot. Mrs. Wilson suggested: Like
Achilles. you are vulnerable only in
your heel
The King laughed heartily He said
l.
sumo electrical treatment. in which he
had the utmost confidence.
The gravity Of the Kings illness be-
came apparent only few days ago. and
while an operation was finally decided
on. the fact that the King was unable
10 retain nOUrishment. and thereby lost
strength rapidly, gave rise 20 serious
doubts as 70 his ability TO Withstand the
shock
CHARACTER OF HEIR TO THRONE
In Nv of the condition Of the King.
interest is concentrated on Prince Albert
Leopold, the heir presumptive. son Of
the late Count Of Flanders, King Leo
pold's brother. Prince Albert Is in strik-
ing contrast 70 his uncle. He IS a dis
tinct family man. happily welded. He
has travelled and studied in America
and is a great student OF economics and
politics, having often Iectured in pub
lie Nevertheless. he has modern tastes.
il a fine horseman and is interested in
aviation and motoring He has even
made a flight in dirigible. His frank.
good face bespeaks intelligence
and invites confidence.
The art shops in the city are freely
exhibiting in their windows pictures of
the royal family-above. King Leopold.
aged auste-e and reserved; below.
Price Albert, young. brilliant and pleas
ant The prince is popular with the peo-
pie, whose sympathies and respect he Is
certain TO win as sovereign.
To-day has been momentous in Bel
gian history. In the presence of Prince
Albert, who has a hereditary right 10
a seat the Senate adopted with the
concurrence Of the Chamber, a military
law which vitality concerns the country
has aroused intense discussion and once
threatened 10 overturn the Cabinet. The
measure involves the complete reversal
OF the system OF recruiting the army
II provides for the service OF one son in
each family, instead of general recruit
ment by lot. No substitutes can be
hired. AS in the recent crisis in Spain.
the evasion OF service by the rich
through the payment Of money aroused
the anger OF the people. King Leopold
favOrs the law. and his supporters have
been most anxious that he should have
the opportunity TO attach his signature
10 IT, II will give a peace footing OF
$1,000 and in war Of 10000 men.
AS far as the Kings illness is CON-
cerned. evidences oS the indifference OF
the people with reference 10 a change in
sovereigns are seen. The newspapers
are restricting themselves 70 brief sc
counts Of the development OF the maIadv
and discreet illusions 20 the Kings do
mestic tragedies. but they make prac-
tically no comment on Leopold himself
or the destinies OF the country.
PEOPLE LOYAL TO THE KING
The Belgians. however. are loyal TO the
King and have the greatest admiration
for his intellect and genius. While they
do not forget that Leopolds administra
tion IN the Congo created a storm os
international accusation and almost en-
dangered the country's honor. all parties