The members of the Commission, also, seeing that it is only possible for them to act within the very narrow scope of their personal experience, venture to hope that the Inspector specially nominated by His Majesty the King-Sovereign, will soon arrive, seeing that his powers of observation would be infinitely greater than our own.
(Signed) George Grenfell, Secretary.
Leopoldville, May 17, 1897.
PROTECTION OF NATIVES—COMMISSION
Leopold II., King of the Belgians, Sovereign of the Independent State of the Congo, to all present and to come, greeting:
On reconsideration of our Decree of the 18th September, 1896, appointing a Commission for the protection of natives:
On the suggestion of our Secretary of State,
We have decreed and do hereby decree:
Article I. The following are appointed members of this Commission, for the period of two years mentioned by the said Decree:
Mgr. van Ronslé, Bishop of Thymbrium, Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariat of Belgian Congo, President.