The chapter then goes on to discuss Leopold's steady downfall in the Congo. His older years and his selling of the Congo to Belgium. In 1908, the Congo Free State became the Belgian Congo. The change in ownership however, did not change the conditions the Congolese were facing.
Sheppard writes of the abuse on the Kuba people. As a result, the company stock fell and William Sheppard was sued. After the trail, Sheppard was found innocent. Yet, the company was not found guilty, and only needed to pay court fines. This demonstrated the corruption, or fear, of people to take action against the horror. Consequently, Sheppard become a hero in America.
The chapter then goes on to discuss Leopold's decline in health. At the age of 74, he falls ill with "intestinal blockage", or cancer. Leopold leaves all his riches to Caroline and their two sons, but nothing to his two daughters, Louise and Stephanie. Shortly, Leopold dies. Caroline moves to Paris, where she soon remarries he original lover, Durriex.
The chapter then shifts toward Casement. It describes his life and his sudden interest in his Irish roots. His character is portrayed through his interest in the Irish and the Congolese. The chapter shifts yet again, this time to Morel. The chapter talks about his efforts to end the atrocities in the Congo. At the end of the chapter, Morel is influenced by many to close the case regarding the Congo.
Morel claims victory in 1913 at the Congo Reform Association held a meeting at the Westminister Palace Hotel in London. The question is, is the case really closed?
Quiz questions:
4. Why was Casement becoming so fond and involved with his
native Ireland? What does this reveal about his character?
5. Did Morel feel
that his work was done or was he influenced by others to think so? If so, what
is foreshadowed?
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