ALBERT I., King of the Belgians, born April 8, 1875, son of Prince Phi lippe de Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and of Flanders, who died Nov. 1, 1905. At the death of his uncle, Leopold II., Dec. 17, 1909, Albert ascended the throne. His character has proved to be in complete antithesis to that of his predecessor, whose profligate and shameless life had been the scandal of Europe. His family and public life has been without re proach, and his winning qualities have won him the esteem and affection of his people. On Oct. 2, 1900, he married Princess Elizabeth of Bavaria. He has three children, of whom Prince Leopold, born Nov. 3, 1901, is the heir to the throne. The reign of Albert prior to the outbreak of the World War in 1914 was one of marked progress and pros perity. The Socialist party was strong in Belgium, and labor troubles were fre quent and at times serious, but the tact of the king was successful in composing them. When the war broke out, the king
placed himself at the head of his army, and throughout the conflict shared the hardships of his men. When the over whelming forces of the Germans had taken possession of the little kingdom, the government was removed to Havre, France. In the four years of conflict that ensued the king exhibited military qualities of a high order, and played a prominent part in the 1918 operations that compelled the Germans to evacuate his kingdom. After the armistice was signed he made a triumphal entry into Ghent, Brussels, and other cities of Bel gium, and was received with the wildest rejoicings. In 1919 he visited the United States with his wife and the heir appar ent, and everywhere was met with en thusiastic welcome. See WORLD WAR;