Matadi, the chief sea port of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the Bas-Congo province. Postcard celebrating the 'Independence' of the Congo Free State, bearing the portrait of King Leopold II of Belgum (1835-1909) and five of his Officers who were major colonial players in the region: (from left) Felix Fuchs (1858-1928), Colonel Albert Thys (1849-1915), Baron d'Edmond Van Eetvelde (1852-1925), Francis, Baron Dhanis (1861?1909) and Colonel Theophile Wahis (1844-1921).