Jules Renkin

“ It is important that the scientific work which is being elaborated here be worthy of the work of colonization and of civilization, of which Belgium has just assumed the honor, and that it realizes perfectly the noble thought of its august initiator. ”

“ The universal exposition of 1910 offered Belgium the opportunity of showing the place which the colony of Belgian Kongo has already taken in our national life. This museum, the pavilions and the halls of the colonial exposition of the Kongo surrounding it, will make the visitor appreciate the fine efforts realized by our compatriots in Africa. ”

“ In 1897, at the time of the Brussels Exposition, the independent State created the Museum of Tervueren, and a few years later King Leopold II began the construction of the monument that Your Majesty deigns to inaugurate at the time when the Universal Brussels Exposition of 1910 has just opened its gates. ”

“ The economical aspect of the colonial problem is of great importance. From this standpoint the museum of the Kongo offers to our compatriots useful teachings. They will be better able to see there the resources which the Kongo offers to their activity. They will note, for instance, that the foundation of the colony determined in Belgium the creation of 191 industrial establishments and that it furnished a permanent supply of material to 431 other firms ”

“ In order to incessantly continue and improve this work, the Government knows that it can count on the cooperation of the personnel and the help of the committee of superintendence, the members of which it has pleased the King to choose from among the men who have made their mark in the various branches of science. ”

“ The scientific and political results due to the persevering energy of our officers and of our administrations, the economical results obtained by the initiative and courage of our industrial and commercial representatives will be adequately displayed. ”