Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 70, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1909 — KING LEOPOLD ASKS FOR EXTREME UNCTION [ARTICLE]

KING LEOPOLD ASKS FOR EXTREME UNCTION

Dying Monarch Displays Courage That Is Admirable.

Brussels, Dec. 14. —Fully conscious but in a state of excitement. King Leopold of Belgium lies expecting death. Extreme unction has been administered to him at his own request. Reports from the palace say that the aged ruler is calm and shows not tho slightest fear for the future. While suffering excruciating pain he bears up with remarkable fortitude and displays • courage that is admirable. He greeted his physicians with perfect eerenity and to one of them said: *T am going to make a long journey soon.” Later to a member of his family he remarked: “I fear my end is near.” The king uttered no complaint and discussed his private affairs with a notary. In spite of the protests of bls family he insisted upon attempting to attend to affairs of state. He bade farewell to a number of court officials notably the court marshal, Count Doultremont, to whom he said: "You have served me well for more than twenty years and I want to give ytmmy thanks before I die. lamverv cnMaltom"

The count was greatly agitated and left the room weeping bitterly. The most affecting Interview of the day was between the king and his favorite daughter Clementine. He kissed her a number of times and tried to console her. She was terribly distressed and was led away half fainting. His eldest daughter Louise, from whom LL had been estranged, telegraphed asking for a final interview.