The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-18
Shouted "Trickery, Trcachery. Blood
and Revolution" During the
Debate on Revision.
PROTEST AGAINST CLOSURE
WHICH FINALLY WAS HEEDED BY
THE GOVERNMENT LEADER.
Vote on Revision Question Postponed
Till This Evening-M. Sipia-
guine's Assassination.

BRUSSELS, April 1.-THE del on the
proposed revision of the Belgian Consti-
tuition was resumed in the Chamber of
Representatives to-day. Nj. Braun, Liberal
advocated a speedy closing of the debate
in the interest of the whole country, and
the premier, NJ. De Smet de Meyer. heartily
indorsed the suggestion and proposed the
House committee sitting to-day until the
question was settled. The Socialists pro-
tested against the adoption of the pro-
posal. but the premier insisted on it's
adoption. NJ. Van DER Velde, the Socialist
leader criticised the government atti-
tude. Instead of extending the olive branch
he asserted. the premier offered fresh
provocation. The Socialists were abso-
lutely opposed to the conclusion of the
discussion to-day, the ground that i'm
pOrtant events might shortly occur. The
speaker pointed to the fact that there were
300 900 men on strike and that they en-
joyed the respect of the middle classes.
This statement greeted with Socialist
shouts of THE government thirsts for
blood,'' The premier maintained the wis
dom of the proposal for the speedy close
of the debate.
The Socialists shouts of ''Trickery!'
"Treachery!" ut will be the signal for
a revolution" followed the premier's re-
marks.
At this juncture NJ. Van der Vede
crossed the floor and held a brief CONSUL
tation with the premier. during which NJ
Trocklet, Socialist, cried, Then you want
blood to flow tomorrow
The premier, having reiterated his un-
alterabe adhesion to the proposal to clo-
sure the debate, the Socialists broke out
into considerable uproar, and clenched
their fists threateningly. but they confined
themselves to that and to uttering shouts
of defiance The debate was then con-
tinued by the premier, who, amidst fire.
quent interruptions, declared that a fur
ther revision of the constitution would not
accord with the desires of the country.
He did not believe that universal suffrage
would be conducive to the maintenance
of free institutions in Belgium. The gov
ernment was prepared to examine here
after, arrangements calculated to improve
the condition of the country; but IL would
not agree to adOpt universal suffrage. pure
and simple. which, he claimed, the Social
lists alone desired. A revision of the con-
stitution. the premier further asserted
would plunge the country into turmoil,
and the government utterly declined to be
driven at the dictatiOn of the populace and
under threats of strike agitation and vio-
lence.
Renewed Socialist uproar, including
threats of civil war and shouts of You
have murdered one of the people," followed
this announcement.
The premier, after remarking that he de-
clined to notice such calumnies said the
existence of their national institutions was
at stake. The government was responsible
for the honor and destiny of the country
and was conscious of its duty He then in
Vited the chamber to reject the proposed
consideration of the proposal TO revise the
constitution.
After IA violent speech by NJ Janson.
Progressist, who declared the government
was forcing the country over the brink of
civil war. the premier said the government
was willing. for the sake Of peace, to with
draw the closure proposal. NJ. Van der
Velde agreed TO this and the chamber unan-
imously fixed the hour for the vote on the
question Of a revision of the constitution
at O'Clock tomorrow afternoon.
After the adjournment of the Chamber TO-
day a monster Socialist meeting was held
In the Maison du Peuple w. Van der
Velde and others made speeches, but the
gathering orderly.
Senator I.afontaine. tonight made a final
appeal TO King Leopold To avert struggle
by some concessions. According 10 the best
information, however. the King is not in
clned 10 dissolve the Parliament
Rioting is reported TO have occurred ar
Arlon, where several strikers and a MEM
ber of the civic guard were wounded
Ii Is rumored that a company OF the civic