LEOPOLD II OF BELGIUM: (1835-1909) King of the Belgians 1865-1909. Leopold was the founder and sole owner of the ...

LEOPOLD II OF BELGIUM: (1835-1909) King of the Belgians 1865-1909. Leopold was the founder and sole owner of the Congo Free State, a private project undertaken on his own behalf. He used explorer Henry Morton Stanley to help him lay claim to the Congo, the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. An excellent and lengthy A.L.S., `Leopold´, four pages, 8vo, Pavillon d´Ostende, 30th July 1891, to one of his Ministers, in French. The letter bears to the heading an attractive embossed crown. The King, most probably writes to his Minister of Interior, Jules de older (1842-1919), referring to his strong interest on Maria Kerke´s projects, stating in part `..If they do not pretend any monetary participation from the State, or the province or commune, .. these major works would increase the value of the State dunes and our move towards the coast..´, further saying `..what serious criticism can be addressed to such expensive and disinterested efforts made to increase the appeal of our Country.. Please insist before the Council in order that Mr. de Bruyn is authorized to present right now the project of law.´ Before concluding, Leopold mentions that he will also write to Beernaert. In very fine condition. EX MariaKerke is a part of the city of Gand in Flanders. Léon de Bruyn (1838-1908), Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Public Works. Auguste Beernaert (1829-1912), Prime Minister and Finaces Minister 1884-94. Awarded with the Peace Nobel Prize in 1909.