The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-06-09
KING Of bElG|ANs !
4 BUSINESS Man
Knowledge Of Railroading Valuable
In Plans for Developing
Congo.

BRUSSELS. June s.--Albert. king
OF the Belgians. Is more like an Ameri-
can business man than any continen-
tai crowned head, as Theodore Roose-
Welt remarked after his interview with
the Young monarch. The king has
proved himself since his accession ias'
December, TO be as up-to date anu pro
gressiye q chief executives as Belgium
could desire.
Eefore his accession, Prince Albert
was but little known 10 his future SUB
jects. and was generally looked upon
as a shy young man of less than aver
age intelligence, more or less ruled oy
Ills wife. This estimate OF hrs charae
ter has now been SHOWN 20 be un"ai'
ranted for the king has given unmis-
taxable proofs OF a strong personality.
This is particularly evident AZ re-
CARDS Congo affairs. II was OWNS 10
the kings personal and active interest
that the recent reforms in the treat
ment OF the natives were made as
result OF which every facility Is gwen
TO the blacks TO cultivate the soil for
their own support. While thus actfNe
" leading the campaign in favor or the
natives. the king has at the same dh'e
headed the movement for better raii-
road communication in the colony
The Ring has planned the new system,
work on which Is shortly 10 begin, ana
which will open up great tracts OF ter
ritory.
II Is In his practical knowledge or
railroad matters that King Albert may
more particularly be likened TO. an
American business man. The future
king, II Is said, first acquired his taste
for railroading while. touring tina
American northwest After his return
to Belgium he followed e regular
course OF study in the government de-
partment of railroads, and became
thoroughly versed In every phase OF
railroading. This accounts for TIE
kings personal interest in the new
Congo railways.
The kings stubbornness, inherited
from his Hohenzollern mother. the
countess of Flanders, is apparent from
his determination TO keep in close
touch with Congo affairs. and, in fact.
to head the movement against English
designs on Belgiums colony. What
ever steps the English anti-Congo lead
Crs may take they will eventually have
TO contend with this strong-willed SOW
ereign. King Albert's stubbornness.
however, is his only conspicuous
Hohenzollern trait. As a man he Is as
democratic as is compatible with his
position. His manners are simple, and
be has a deep-rooted dislike for show
and unnecessary etiquette. He always
had an aversion for the soldiers ca
reer and never dons a uniform unless
compelled TO.
The king is as busy as the most in
defatigable OF his subjects. He rises
at 8. breakfasts at Z. and by s O'Clock
IL at work In his study, where he re-
mains till 10 with a secretary. At 10
he receives the ministers and otne-
officials who have appointments, and
he IL often compelled to listen to their
reports until IL. The king then takes
Z brisk walk in the palace park until
lunch which is served at 1880. This
meal is noted for its lack of ceremony.
the king and queen being alone with
their two boys and attended by foot
man.
After lunch the king resumes his
audiences which last until 3 O'Clock.
The king and queen then take a drive
and return TO the palace at 4. when
afternoon tea Is served to the royal
couple and their children. The king
is then generally compelled to devote
himself to state affairs until 5 or
later. when he takes a constitutional
with an orderly
The king and queen dine alone when
not entertaining at state dinners, and
on ordinary occasions spend their
evenings en- famille. These homelike
evenings are the pleasantest moments
of the day. alike for the king and
queen. The kings evening is spent in
reading, while his consort INDUCES in
her favorite pastime. violin playing.