The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-05-03
Won BY qHE PEOPLE
Universal Suffrage, With Plural
Voting, Adopted in Belgium.
The Strike Abandoned and Fur
ther Trouble Averted.

A cabiegram from Brussels, Belgium,
says: The Belgium revolution has sue
ceeded. The reigning aristocracy has sur
rendered, and Belgium will hereafter be
governed by the people. The victory for
universal suffrage cost several lives and
serious bloodshed: but. considering the ter
rible sacrifices which until the last moment
IL seemed would be necessary, the price paid
is not a great one. The right Of self-govern-
ment has not been granted willingly. II was
vrung from the present authorities by q
display Of revolutionary force such as had
not been seen In Europe since Paris was In
tho hands Of committee. ..
The manifestation Of popular will was
imposing and truly terrific. 1t overawed
and conquered the arrogance which had De.
fed it. It has been a day Of suspense and
fear throughout Belgium. The enJire couu-
try was under arms, and business OF every
description was paralyzsd. The terrible
nature Of the crisis was emphasized as never
before when 20, 900 Socialists met just out
side Brussels, AMI voted solemnly and with
ont excitement to shed the last drop OF their
blood to secure the right Of suffrage. The
leaders advised the multitu fe to refrain
from violence till the decision Of Parliament
was known later in the day. Tho mob con-
santed.
less seIf-restraint. Soon came the news that
several more had been killed and many
Wounded in Antwerp. The bloody work was
going On again In Mons and other places.
Brussels waited. There was Enthusiastically
an air Of dread and apprehension upon the
city. All tne large places OF business were
closed and the shutters were up. The res
jdential streets were completely deserted.
The nublic quarters werc thronged, but few
women were about. All vehicles, except.a q
few cabs. disappeared, The army and the
noh stood and waited. Cavalry and in.
fantry held al the streets within halt
mule Of the Kings palace and the Far
lament buildings. There were no hostile
demonstrations against the troops.
Meantime the Lower blouse OF the Lsgis.
lature assembled. The House voted to sit
Until the committee agreed on some suffrage
MEASURE. IL refused to adopt the Govern.
n,ant suggestion to act on the budget, which
was vaitine. The members instead went
outside to view the strange sight IN the
streets of the city, which was In state OF
siege. au., H., ..-..., ,or.
varoinr at Parliament HALL Beyond them
the nnob stood waiting. It was nearly
O'CLOCK. but there had been no collision. The
multitude was silent, and NOT even suhen.
There was, however, no nistaking the ats'
tude of their unnumbered thousands.
Members of the Chamber went back to
their seats profoundly impressed: Telegra~s
poured In telling Of renewed lighting IN tne
provinces. A mild but salutary panic took
possession OF the House.
hronoht in a measure providing for uni
versai suffrage for citizens above twenty.
five wears Of age, with an additional vote
for heads Of families, and another TOR those
possessing educational qualifications. 1t was
br;siv debated and quickly brought to &
vote. The result was 1ls in favor; twelve
uses were received with amusement on al
sides, indicating it did the panicssriSSs,l s,,1
snraad. and was received with immense re
Iet iHa Il not entirs satisfaction by the people
It was thought that the Senate would ac'
Immediately on the Suffrage bill