Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-04-18
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION
Will Be Voted on at 6 p. M. Today by
Belgian House.

Brussels, April 1.-THE debate on the
proposed revision of the Belgian con-
stitution was resumed in the Chamber
of Representatives, today. NJ. Braun.
Liberal, advocated a speedy closing of
the debate in the interest of the whole
country, and Premier NJ. De Smet De
Mayer heartily endorsed the suggestion.
He said the nation was anxiously
awaiting their decision and proposed
that the House continue sitting, today,
until the question was settled.
The Socialists protested against the
adoption Ct the proposal, but the pre-
micr insisted on its adoption. NJ. Van
Der Neldt, the Socialist leader, criti-
oiscd the governments attitude. In
stead of extending an olive branch he
asserted the premier offered fresh
provocation. The Socialists were alb
soiutely opposed to the conclusion of
tie discussion, today, on the grounds
that important events shortly occur
Tic speaker then pointed to the fact
thc there were 100000 men on strike
and that they enjoyed the respect Of
tie Ini]dlc classes. This statement
was greeted with Socialist shouts OF
/ 4t LII SlS IOG DloOi.
The premier maintained the wisdom
Of the proposal for a speedy close of
the debate.
Socialist shouts Of ''trickery."
"trcachnry." lit will be the signal for
a revolution" followed the premier's
remarks.
At this juncture NJ. Van der Velde
crossed the floor and held brief con-
vcr.aticn with the premier, during
which a Socialist cried: Then you
want blood to flow, tomorrow" The
premier having reiterated his unalter-
able adhesion to the proposal to clo-
sure the debate, the Socialists broke
out into considerable uproar and
clenched their fists threateningIy, but
they confined themselves to that and
to uttering shouts of defiance.
The debate was then continued by the
premier who amidst frequent Interrupt
uons declared that a further revision Of
the constitution would not accord with
the desires of the country.
After violent speech by NJ. Janson.
ProSressist, who declared the government
was forcing the country over the brink
of civil war the premier said the govern
ment was willing, for the sake of peace
to withdraw the closure proposal
NJ. Wander Nelde agreed to this and
the Chamber UNANIMOUSLY fixed the hour
for the vote on the question of a revision
of the constitution at q o'clock tomorrow
afternoon.
The strike in the Brussels district has
practically ended. The diamond workers
of Antwerp did not strike. although they
threatened to do SO. The strikers in the
Liege district now number 1000 and the
strike at NervierS has eXtended to all TIL.
surrounding CommuneS The striking min
ers at La LouViere, however, declared.
today, that they would resume work
shortly. At Herstal 200 men have re-
sumed work
After the adjournment of the Chamber,
today, monster Socialist meeting was
held in the Maison Du Peuple. NJ. Van
Der Nelde and others made speeches but
the gathering was orderly.
Senator LaFontaine., tonight made a
final appeal to King Leopold to avert "A
struggle by some concessions. According
to the best information, however the
King is not inclined to dissolve the Par
lament.
Rioting is reported to have occurred at
ArlOn, where several strikers and men,
Der of the civic guard were wounded
1t is rumored that a company of the
civic guard has nutinied at Schaerbeek
"a suburb of Brussels
The strikers are receiving money and
assistance from England and Germany.