Chapter 15

As Europe fixated on Belgium's escalating border conflict in January 1862, a pivotal intervention unfolded. French Emperor Napoleon III, personally dispatching Prime Minister Olivier, engaged directly with Leopold I and his Austrian counterpart. The subsequent, astonishing release and repatriation of French soldiers who had transgressed the imperial frontier left the continent reeling. Belgium's acquiescence provoked widespread incredulity. Whispers of British machinations filled the air, fueling rampant speculation about the hidden forces at play. This capitulation elicited profound disappointment from prominent figures, including Tsar Alexander II, Prussian King William I, and Bismarck himself. Their dismay, however, starkly contrasted with the calculated satisfaction of William IV of the Netherlands and his advisors. For them, this was not an end, but a meticulously orchestrated prelude to a far grander, and more consequential, spectacle...."We earnestly desire peace and stability for Belgium," Dutch Foreign Minister Hesbert declared to a throng of international journalists on January 22nd, 1862, his voice firm yet measured. "However, our paramount concern is the fair and equitable development of a nation governed by the rule of law – a nation worthy of European trust. The safety and security of our Dutch-speaking compatriots in Belgium is paramount. Therefore, we urge King Leopold I to address this situation immediately. Failure to do so will necessitate a formal explanation to the international community; otherwise, the Netherlands will be compelled to secure justice for its citizens in Belgium." Hesbert paused, allowing his words to sink in. The air crackled with anticipation. A reporter, emboldened, stepped forward. "Your Excellency, what specific action will the Netherlands take? And how do you intend to ensure justice for the Dutch-speaking population?" Hesbert's expression tightened. "Belgium's history under Dutch rule is a complex one," he replied, a hint of irritation in his tone. "While some claim a period exceeding thirty-two years, we acknowledge a direct governance of twenty-three years, a single generation. We initially hoped for Belgium's prosperity, offering our blessing. But the current ethnic tensions are deeply troubling, utterly unacceptable. Current control measures are insufficient to guarantee the safety of our people. This escalating conflict between the Dutch and French-speaking communities threatens to erupt into a catastrophic crisis. Who will bear the responsibility for such a calamity? King Leopold I? Or will the blame fall upon the two communities themselves? This is a question that demands serious consideration. Therefore, let me be perfectly clear: Our appeal to His Majesty Leopold I is not merely a suggestion; it is a grave warning. The Kingdom of the Netherlands expects a swift and decisive resolution to this matter." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled press. "The eyes of Europe are upon us – and upon Belgium."

"But what if Belgium proves to be...uncooperative? Let's say, shall we say, less than efficient in its approach?" The question hung in the air, a subtle challenge. Heisbert's smile was thin, almost a grimace. "In such a scenario," he replied, his voice low and controlled, "we would be forced to employ…corrective measures." "Corrective measures? Specify, Minister." The reporter from the *European Times* leaned forward, pen poised. Heisbert fixed the reporter with a knowing gaze. His eyes, sharp and calculating, lingered for a moment before he spoke. "Let's just say Belgium would face significant economic sanctions. The precise nature of those sanctions…remains to be seen." A pause, heavy with unspoken threats. He allowed the implication to hang in the air, thick as the smoke from his almost extinguished cigar. The headline screamed across the next day's papers: *Netherlands Threatens Sanctions Against Belgium!* The rumour, quickly confirmed, sent shockwaves across the continent. The Dutch foreign minister's blunt warning, amplified and disseminated by the major news outlets, spread like wildfire. The implications, however, were far-reaching. Was this a direct retaliation for the perceived unfair treatment of Dutch citizens in Belgium? Many speculated, fueled by whispers of longstanding tensions between the two nations. The news, for a time, resurrected the faded image of the Netherlands, recalling the legendary wealth generated by its once-dominant tulip industry and powerful maritime trade. A flicker of its former glory shone through, briefly eclipsing its recent economic decline. But beneath the surface of this newfound strength, a deep unease remained. How long could this resurgence last? The question lingered, a dark cloud on the horizon of this sudden, unexpected storm.

...

Minister Hesbert Von's provocative statement – that the Netherlands would impose sanctions on Belgium if the Belgian government failed to adequately address the grievances of its Dutch-speaking population – ignited a firestorm in Brussels. The remark, dripping with thinly veiled threat, was met with immediate and furious condemnation. "This is utterly unacceptable!" exclaimed a Belgian Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Minister Von's words are an egregious overstep, a blatant interference in Belgium's internal affairs." The Belgian Foreign Ministry summoned Dirk Clariant, the Dutch ambassador, for an urgent and strongly worded reprimand. The meeting, described by sources as "intense," resulted in a formal protest lodged with the Dutch government. Simultaneously, the Belgian government publicized its displeasure in both French ("Le Soir") and Flemish ("De Standaard") newspapers. Prime Minister Valter Ferrer Orbon wasted no time in dispatching a blistering telegram to his Dutch counterpart, Prime Minister Tolbeck. Orbon's message pulled no punches. "Minister Von's comments are not only extreme and misguided, they are a gross violation of Belgian sovereignty," Orbon's telegram reportedly stated. "His inflammatory rhetoric only serves to exacerbate tensions and obstruct our efforts to manage internal differences. This reckless action threatens the fragile peace established at Vienna, and violates the fundamental principles of trust and cooperation between neighboring European nations. Belgium will not tolerate such blatant interference!" Orbon concluded his telegram with a stark warning: "The Kingdom of the Netherlands would do well to reconsider its approach before it faces consequences it will deeply regret." The mention of "consequences" sparked considerable speculation. Whispers circulated about the potential for British intervention on Belgium's behalf, a pressure tactic against the Netherlands. Others dismissed this as mere posturing, suggesting Belgium was simply attempting to dissuade the Netherlands from further inflammatory actions, perhaps hoping to appease its sizeable Dutch-speaking population and avoid escalation. Some believed a subtle plea for assistance lay beneath Belgium's tough stance, a tacit acknowledgment of its inability to fully address the Dutch community's concerns. However, the Netherlands showed no sign of backing down.

On January 22nd, 1862, Prime Minister Tolbeck responded forcefully during a press conference, as reported by the influential *European Times*. "The Netherlands will not stand idly by while our countrymen in Belgium are denied justice," Tolbeck declared, his voice firm. "They are Dutch, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh. They share our heritage, our blood, our Germanic ancestry. We will defend their interests, regardless of cost. We will defend them to the death." The statement, blunt and uncompromising, left little room for doubt about the Netherlands' resolute stance.

A single blow caused a thousand waves!

The saying proved chillingly true for the Dutch. Their pride, a potent force throughout their golden age, the 16th and late 18th centuries, was wounded deeply. These were times when they were undisputed maritime giants, rivals only to Spain – one controlling the Atlantic, the other the Indian Ocean – a seemingly unshakeable duality of power. But the late 18th century saw their fortunes reversed. Four devastating wars with Britain, coupled with a treacherous land assault by a France allied with their British enemies, shattered their hegemony. Reduced to a second-tier power, the Dutch refused to accept their diminished standing. "This isn't the end," declared Willem, a merchant in Amsterdam, clenching his fist. "We will not be broken so easily!" The forced union with Belgium in 1830 only exacerbated the situation. Discontent simmered on both sides of the newly drawn border. "To see our brothers and sisters oppressed, treated as second-class citizens!" exclaimed Anna, a young woman from Brussels, her voice filled with indignation. "It is intolerable!" This shared outrage, initially a simmering resentment, exploded into a powerful wave of national unity. The sentiment surprised many observers. "The Daily Telegraph is ablaze with support!" exclaimed a journalist, excitedly waving the newspaper. "Countless prominent figures are publicly endorsing the cause, pledging their aid to their compatriots across the border." In Belgium, the outpouring of support from the Netherlands became a powerful symbol, rekindling the pride and unity of the Dutch community. Even the disheartening reports in Belgian papers like the *Standard* and *Evening News* – detailing the Belgian king and government's capitulation to French pressure – could not entirely quell the rising tide. "Cowards!" spat Jan, a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, his voice thick with contempt. "They surrender without a fight! They betray the very interests of the Dutch people under their rule!" His words echoed the sentiment of many who felt the Belgian leadership had sold out their heritage for a moment of perceived peace. The humiliation, far from being accepted, ignited a fire that threatened to consume the tenuous peace.

Widespread discontent simmered in northern Belgium, fueled by accusations of governmental and royal ineptitude. Dutch-speaking Belgians within the ruling circles were equally condemned as complicit. Prime Minister Orban and King Leopold I faced mounting criticism, even from within the Christian party, whose members openly voiced their dissent. Into this maelstrom stepped Senator Joseph Beit of West Flanders. He boldly proclaimed his commitment to the Dutch-speaking community, actively mobilizing public opinion and vehemently denouncing Orban's authoritarian rule. He declared the need to dismantle this pusillanimous governance, advocating for a more equitable administration. Announcing his candidacy for Prime Minister in three months, he presented himself as a transformative alternative. Beit's trajectory was remarkably swift. Born in Zeeland, Netherlands, in 1825 into a comfortable family, he relocated to West Flanders at age four. The 1830 Belgian secession from the Netherlands conferred Belgian citizenship upon his family. After graduating with honors in history and political science from Ghent University—then Belgium's most prestigious institution—in 1847, a testament to the legacy of its Dutch founder, King William I, he pursued legal studies and married a Dutch noblewoman, raising two sons. In 1850, Beit was admitted to the Brussels bar. His legal career was a springboard to political prominence, beginning with his election to the West Flanders parliament in 1850-1851. In 1852, he boldly contested local office as an independent liberal, defying his immigrant status to win decisively and launch his meteoric political ascent. Two years later, the remarkably young Beit served as secretary to the Speaker of the House of

Representatives in Brussels. His ascension culminated in 1856 with his election as a Belgian Senator—a record-breaking achievement at the age of 31, solidifying his position as a political force to be reckoned with.Five years passed before Jules Darnell, a progressive Limburg native, shattered the precedent, securing a Senate seat at the remarkably young age of twenty-nine. A stark contrast in their perceived heroism emerged between him and his predecessor, Joseph Beit; both men embodied a paradoxical blend of virtue and vice. Beit, however, possessed an unimpeachable integrity, an unwavering rectitude that inspired unwavering faith and trust in his pronouncements. This unshakeable credibility garnered him considerable support within the Divine Party. His potential election fueled intense speculation: a Beit victory threatened to obscure the existing factional divisions, plunging the political landscape into uncertain chaos. Given Belgium's historical ties to the British Empire, under the patronage of Viscount Palmerston, the stance of Britain held paramount importance, influencing the calculations of every nation.