 From 1892 up to 1906 he was mayor of Antwerp, and from 1900 up to 1906 a Member of Parliament.While he was mayor the Antwerp World Fair of 1894 was held, several important buildings were constructed such as for the pilotage, the Antwerp Central Station and the toll house.Also in the port of Antwerp the construction of the "Kanaaldok" was started, and as a result the activity of the port expanded.