I want to show those who are going to peddle that I am the man of all jobs, that at least I am not, just to keep my place. And I hold it all the more… - Edmond van Eetvelde

In ten years or so, when rubber starts to decline, it will be agriculture that will have to ensure our public income and our trade.

You would remember that when I decided that the state would exploit its domain and that any vacant land would be claimed by it as its own, you found me absolutely absolute. You have nevertheless very vigorously and very skillfully supported me. For the Nile, I also ask you to follow my instructions faithfully. I will not lead you to the shipwreck, I promise you. For the time being, I want to be as powerful as possible on the Nile.

By blowing up the isolated facts, the British sought to cover up their territorial greed under the guise of philanthropy.