ivory and slaves raided the Upper Congo. Finally, assisted by many
geographical societies, he founded the International Association, to
promote "civilization and trade" in Central Africa; and enlisted
Henry M. Stanley in this service.

That, in the early years, Leopold's interest in the Congo was
unselfish may or may not be granted, but, knowing him, as we now
know him, as one of the shrewdest and, of speculators, the most
unscrupulous, at the time of the Berlin Conference, his self-seeking
may safely be accepted. Quietly, unostentatiously, he presented
himself to its individual members as a candidate for the post of
administrator of this new territory.

On the face of it he seemed an admirable choice. He was a sovereign
of a kingdom too unimportant to be feared; of the newly created
State he undoubtedly possessed an intimate knowledge. He promised to
give to the Dutch, English, and Portuguese traders, already for many
years established on the Congo, his heartiest aid, and, for those
traders still to come, to maintain the "open door." His professions
of a desire to help the natives were profuse. He became the
unanimous choice of the conference.

Later he announced to the Powers signing the act, that from Belgium
he had received the right to assume the title of King of the
Independent State of the Congo. The Powers recognized his new title.

The fact that Leopold, King of Belgium, was king also of the État
Indépendant du Congo confused many into thinking that the Free State
was a colony, or under the protection, of Belgium. As we have seen,
it is not. A Belgian may serve in the army of the Free State, or in