On the decease of the Sovereign this fortune, or the greater portion of it, had disappeared. My sisters and I had a round figure of twelve millions.
But what of the rest?
It has been said to us, and to me especially:
"What? You are complaining? By the terms of your father's will you should only have five millions. You have twelve millions, and you are not satisfied. You argue, you accuse, you incriminate! You are always at war with someone."
I am not at war with any particular person in this affair. I have simply upheld the right, and I believe it to be my duty.
The Government, the judge and the party opponents have told me, in fine-sounding sentences, that I was wrong.
Would they agree to submit their judgments to the final verdict of a tribunal composed of jurists from countries friendly to Belgium?
I renounce in advance the benefit of their decision if it should be in my favour.
Would they agree to accept an inquiry into the subject of the real and personal fortune of the King at the time of his death and what has become of it?
I know beforehand. These indiscreet questions will only meet with profound silence.