The Portland daily press., 1893-04-20
PARIS And THE COMMUNE
Recalled by Scenes Of the Last Few
Days in Belgium.
PEACE FOLLOWS THE GRANTING
OF GENERAL SUFFRAGE.

Members of Parliament Went Out and
Looked at the Thousands of Troops
Beyond They Saw the Army of the
of Riot and Bloodshed-Then They
Passed the Bill,
BRUSSELS, April 19.-Yesterday's vote
in the Chamber of Deputies reversing
the former action of that body, and
granting universal suffrage practically
as demanded by the w6rkingmen, has
completely allayed the agitation among
the industrial population. The strikers
here, at Antwerp and at other places,gen
orally, resumed work this morning, and
no further trouble is apprehended. The
right of self-government has not been
granted willingly. 1t was wrung from
the present authorities by display of
Revolutionary force such as has not been
seen in Europe since Paris was in the
hands of the Commune The manifesta-
ton of popular will was imposing and
truly terrible. 1t overawed and con-
quered an arrogance which defed it. The
entire country is under arms, and busi-
ness of every description is paralyzed.
The terrible nature of the crisis was
emphized when 10000 Socialists met
just outside Brussels, and voted solemn
ly and without excitement to shed their
last drop of blood to secure the right of
suffrage. The leaders advised the null
titude to refrain from violence till the
decision of Parliament was known.
Brussels waited. There was an un-
mistakable air of dread and apprehen.
sion upon the city All the large places
OF business were closed, and the shutters
completely deserted. Public quarters
were thronged. But few women were
about. All vehicles except few cabs
disappeared, and the army and mob
stood and waited. Cavalry and infantry
held all streets within half mile of the
Kings palace and the Parliamentary
building. There were no hostile de-
monstrations against the troops. The
great question was whether the army
could be relied on to oppose the people.
In the meantime the lower house of
the legislature assembled. No plan of
compromise had been arranged. The
government, in blind obstinacy, moved
to take up the bills of railroad rates,
the suffrage question under threats. za
They met opposition not only from the
Liberals, but from the extreme moder-
ates, who, until now, have opposed any
plan of universal suffrage. The latter,
amid great excitement, declared it would
be national crime to postpone action
when the fate Eof the country itself de-
pended on the decision. The speakers
were taunted with cowardiceN
Soon it became apparent that vast
majority of the chamber was at last
convinced that the people were deter
mined to overthrow the monarchy itself
if necessary to gain their purpose. The
House voted te sit until a committee
agreed on some suffrage measure. 1t re-
fused to adopt the government sugges-
tion to act on the budget, which was
waiting. The members instead, went
outside to view the strange sight in the
streets of the city, which was in state
of siege. Thousands of troops filled the
streets kconverging at the Parliament
Hall. Beyond them the people stood
waiting.
1t was nearly o'clock, but there had
been no collision. The multitude was
silent and not ever sullen. There was.
however, no mistake at the attitude of
the unnumbered thousands. The mem
WIS
seats profoundly impressed. Telegrams
poured forth telling of the renewed
fighting in the provinces, and mild but
salutary panic took possession of the
House. The committee was forced to
report. The brought in measure pro-
viding universal suffrage for oseizens
above 25, with an additional vote for
heads of families and another for those
possessing educational qualifications
1t was briefly debated and quickly
brought to vote. The result was 119 in
favor of and II against it, with IA alb
stentions. The figures were received
with amazement on all sides, indicating,
as they did, the panic-stricken condition
of the House.
Suffrage in Belgium is now held by
10000 persons. Nearly all these will
have three votes each under the plan
voted; but 100000 new voters,
large portion with two or three votes,
will gain suffrage. 1t is estimated the
number of votes cast under this system
will be about 100000.
To Confirm the Lease.