Belgium secedes from the Netherlands and becomes independent. A contemporary account of the division of the country; you can’t help but empathise with Van de Weyer and his reluctance to sign the final treaty.
‘Brussels Papers received on Sunday contain intelligence respecting the new and final treaty between Holland and Belgium, determined on by the Five Powers. The substance of the treaty is, that Belgium shall form an independent state, comprising the provinces of South Brabant, Liege, Namur, Hainault, Western and Eastern Flanders, Antwerp, and Limburgh, excepting Maestrecht and the districts of the Prince of Limburg. A part of Luxembourg is also ceded to Belgium, for which the King of Holland will receive territorial indemnity in Limburg. The free navigation of the rivers running through both countries is recognised, as arranged by the Congress at Vienna. The National Debt will be equitably apportioned between the two countries, by which arrangement Belgium will be charged with a debt of 8,400,000 florins. The twenty-four articles were read in the Chamber on Thursday the 20th, together with two notes addressed by the Conference to the Belgian Plenipotentiary, Van de Weyer, and the answer of the latter. The Five Powers declare the terms of adjustment now laid down, are their final and irrevocable decision. M. Van de Weyer did not consider himself authorised by the instructions of his government to sign the articles, and indeed, in the Belgian Congress there already appear symptoms of dissatisfaction ; but the terms of the present arrangement being so perfectly equitable, it is obvious that their clamour and intemperance must be disregarded, and this impediment to the general tranquility of Europe effectually removed. The Belgian government are said to have received a separate intimation from the French ministry, that in case of their refusal to accept the treaty they must not expect to be assisted or encouraged by France.
Stamford Mercury, 28th October, 1831.