KING LEOPOLD AND THE LITTLE GIRL.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 68, 22 March 1890, Page 2 (Supplement)

KING LEOPOLD AND THE LITTLE GIRL.

The well-known good nature of King Leopold of Belgium is well illustrated by a story which is now bei ng circulated. 111 1 seems that more than six years ago, that is, in August, 1883, a seaman named Frank Moore deserted from the Red Star steamer Rhiueland at Philadelphia. For this offence ho was a few months ago arrested at Antwerp and imprisoned. When he wa3 lying under sentence at Antwerp a little niece of the prisoner despatched a letter to King Leopold. The little girl, whose name is Bessie Kiem, wrote from Philadelphia beseeching the release of her uncle Frank. The little Biippliant told her story very childishly but pathetically, saying how six years ago her auntie was dying, and that her only prayer was that she might live to see her brother Frank. The letter which the uncle received was shown to the captain of the steamer, who was asked to give the seaman permission to go and see his sister. This the captain refused, and then tho uncle deserted. Little Bessie, after reciting the circumstances gravely asked, "Your Majesty, if you had been in his place, would not you have done the same?" and concluded with •' Hoping you will pardon Uncle Frank for deserting, and me for writing." The lotter had the desired effect, and Bessie recoived a reply from a high Government official, saying tho uncle had been released "out of compliment to His Majesty's littlo friend."