New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-30
BELGIUM.
REPORT TO THE KING.

BRUSSELS, June IL, 1917.
SIRE: The discussion of the bill on Charitable
Institutions has been suddenly interrupted by crisis
of which our Parliamentary annals offer no other
example.
All friends of our institutions regret the culpsble acts
which have caused disturbances IN some cities OF our
peaceful Belgium
The Adjournment of the Chambers has most oppor-
tuney stopped the hasty movement Of public opinion;
the country has had time to collect Itself, and the
Cover ment has been enabled TO consider more de-
liberaely the constitutional means Of meeting the
difficulties and anomalies OF the case.
Now that disorder is put down and security restored,
the nation confidently expects from your Majesty
messure which will complete the work Of pacifying
the public mind. A.. ,u,o., Of the turmoil
If noltical pnseions momentarily excited any Par
Elementary discussion might become source OF EN-
baTrassment to the country. la this conviction we
have the honor TO propose to your Majesty TO pro-
the closing of the legislative session OF 1870 TO
Such step would suspend the discussion of the Bill
on Charitable Institutions The Government VIII pro-
pose its adjournment at the opening of next session
In thus acting your Ministers, Sire obey great
duty.
A witness of the sentiments Of moderation and of
LOYALTY which have ceased TO animate the Cabl-
net your Majesty has under stood with what real emo
ton we saw our upright intentions misnterpreted.
On assuming Office the present Ministry found the
question of public charities in the order OF the day OF
the Chamber of Representatives,. IL was Its duty TO
solve it, and thereby to put an end 70 permanent
Government.
How was il TO he solved
In country like Ours, where the relief of poverty
is the object Of much socitude, we thought that,
while developing labor under every shape vas also
Advisable to facilitate by every means the develop
ment of charity. The bill proposed by the Govern
ment tended 10 complete the salutary action OF the
officisl Board Of Charity-a Board respected IN IT'S
principles and organizatonby the support of tounda-
lions regulated and controlled by private charity.
This system which is confornable to our historical
traditions, which is in harmony with the laws OF most
nations possessed, moreover the merit OF being per-
fecty adapted to the spirit Of our constitution and OF
| our organic laws. .
Nevertheless an attempt made to detect 10 this
bill which inspired by the sole wish to improve
the moral and social position OF the lower classes Of
society spirit of reaction against modern ideas ana
| institutions. lis object, exclusively charitable one
appeared 10 be nothing else than resuscta'e
the law of mornaiu and the reestablishmebt OF COZ.
vents. The consequences were declared TO be not
benefit for poor families, but trap for rich ones
Whether from ignorance or prejudice or from pTecon
eerted sctcn, the oppo' iton TO the bill gradually IN
creased it bur,t forth suddenly in acts OF which We
wish We could efface the remembrance.
However painful it lie 10 sacrifice work oil convio
ton and conscience understand, nevertheless, that
prudent Government must hesrkep To public opinion,
| even when led astray by passion or prejudice.
There is the less TO hesitate as the Interests
of the pocr 10 guarantee which the object OF the
bin will suffer from tie measure which we have
| the honor TO propose TO your Majesty.
In fact on the one hand the sith article of the Com
munal Law Interpreted by the highest Judicial author
y of the country allows the Government every lati-
| ude TO authorize charitable institutions, takiug
account of the intentions Of the founders On the
other hand the existing laws give to the Government
the necessary freedom OF action to subject the perns-
sion of those foundations to guarantees which VIII In
sure the presei of the patrmony OF the poor aud
| the good en- plpyment Of the revenues.
Sire the Cabinet c6unot and ought not to deny II
il has hard task TO perform. But the very gravity
IL the situation contains something to challenge lis
patriotic devotion.
To consolidate the reign OF order and to insure all
the elements Of public prosperity to maintain the III
tecrity and Independence Of the Government IN the
mid-t of party struggles to give additional strength
10 the glory ofthe dynasty by the gratitude OF the PEG
pie true apprecatOrs of the services when II never
ceases to render guarantee the regular action OF
all the organs constitutional life 10 reassure the
friends Of our liberal institutions, and to eoniound
their csluuniators to make the country aware OF IT.
real interests and strengthen its faith IN the iuture-
ruch is the mission which we accept win GOd
blessing conidng in the wisdom OF your Majesty OF
whom We have the honor Ia be the very humble,
faithful and most obedient servants, ...,
DE pECKER ALPHONsE NorHoMB.
sTISCoTNT Villain Ky. GRElNDL
MERCER DUhoN