Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1909-12-17

horseman, enjoys motoring and has
taken a flight or two in a dirigible
balloon In his Intercourse with 9TH
ers he is most gracious.
While always conspicuous before
the public on account of the nature OF
his private life, particularly in recent
years, King Leopold has latterly had
much of the world against him on ac-
count of his attitude toward the Com
80 independent state His great in
terest laid in the development of that
country. for he was practically the
founder OF it and was its ruling SOW
ereign. The Congo Free State in
western Africa was recognized and de-
fined by the conference of European
powers at Berlin in 1885.
1t was the successor Of the Inter-
national African association, estab-
lished by Leopold and organized by
Stanley. In that year Leopold was
constituted as sovereign. BY his win
dated August 2, 1882, Leopold be-
queathed to Belgium the right to an
mex the Congo State after period of
ten years The conduct OF the gov
ernment of that state resulted in "A
fierce dispute of worldwide dimen-
sions and a demand that concert OF
European powers interpose in the in
terest of humanity.
On November 10, 1898, Belgium
formally assumed control Of the state
and since then efforts at reform have
been inaugurated but not carried ont
in an entirely satisfactory manner.
Criticisms against Fing Leopold in
this connection are said 70 have shat
tered the buoyant spirits of the sover-
eign, although it was only in private
that he gave expression to these feel
ings. He was proud OF the work that
had been accomplished in that terri
tory and At Antwerp made a remark
able speeche In which he said the an
neXation of the Congo Independent
state was the greatest satisfaction of
his life. He declared that the Congo
would play IA most important part in
the expansion of Belgium. 1t was be-
cause of his whole souled interest in
the development of Congo, in connec-
tion with the progress of Belgium
that his own people in measure
overlooked the atrocities that were al
legged AGAINST him.
King Leopold was looked on as one
OF the shrewdest and ablest men OF
the time He was essentially man of
business, cold reticcnt and calculat-
ing He was particularly indcpenden'
IN spirit ana more than once he Is
said to have told other soyereigns,
Who attempted to advise him in con-
nection with his private affairs L.
mind their own business. For this
reason King Leopold had estrangod
many OF the courts Of Europe.
Baroness Vaughan, who is said 10
have been the kings morganatic wife,
occupies Il chateau close TO the pa
vilion where Leopold died. The BAR
oness is the daughter of parents of
he name of DclacroiX, who were con-
rierges. or janitors. first at Licgc and 7
later in Paris. Her mother is dead .
and her father an inmate of an lsy-
um Tor the insane She Is the moth T
er of two children. King Leopoii /
spent great deal OF his time with the
baroness and gave his ministers much
concern on this account. At one Time Z
here was talk uf his abdication but,
as months went by, his subjects APP
Jarently became accustomed Ia his
ways and talk of nbdicatlon became
hing OF the past
King Leopold's recent Illness dated
rom about two weeks ago, when he
VAS compelled To take to his bed, suf-
ering with rheumatism. 1t was
hought at the time that he had
stroke OF apoplexy. as he was para
wed on one side and the paralysis
eemingly spread over the entire body. 7
His confinement brought about in
estinal obstruction Tor which an op-
ration was performed Tuesday.