Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-04-18
Excitement Prevails in Brussels Legislative
Halls During the Debate.
PREMIER is IEERED THROUGHOUT SPEECH
Socialist Members Declare the Government
is Thirsting for Blood.
ssERT CIVIL WAR IS THREATENED
violent speech of PrOEressist, Com
demninR National Leaders for
Provoking strife Precedes
Concession from Premier.

BRUSSELS. April 1.-THE debate on the
proposed revision Of the Belgian consti
tuition was resumed in the Chamber of Rep
resentatiyes today NJ. Braun CliberaD, ad-
vocsted a speedy closing OF the debate, in
the interest Of the whole country, and the
premier. NJ. de Smet de Mayer, heartily
Endorsed the suggestion. and proposed that
the house coptinue sitting today until the
question was settled
The socialists protested against the adop-
tion of the proposal. but the premier IN
sisted upon Its adoption. NJ. Van Der
Velde, the socialist leader, criticised the
governments attitude. Instead of extend
ing the olive branch, he asserted, the pre-
mler offered fresh provocstion. The So
clallsts we're absolutely opposed to the dis
oussion today because vital events might
soon occur.
The speaker then pointed to the fact
that there we're 300, 900 men on a strike
and that they enjoyed the respect Of the
middle classes
"GOvernment Thirsts for Blood"
This statement was greeted with socialist
shouts OF:
THE government thirsts for blood
The premier maintained the wisdom Of
the proposal for a speedy close OF the de-
bate
Socialist shouts Of "Trickery!" "Treach-
eryl" "It will be the signal for q revolu-
tion!" followed the premiers remarks.
At this juncture NJ. Van Der velde
crossed the floor and held a brief conver-
sation with the premier. during which NJ.
Troclet (socialist), cried:
Then you want blood to flow tomor-
r rowl"
The premier having reiterated his un-
Alterable adhesion to the proposal to close
the debate, the socialists broke out into
considerable uproar and clinched their
fists threateningly. but they confined them
selves to that and to uttering shouts of
defiance.
The debate was then continued by the
premier, who, amidst frequent Interrupt
tions, declared that a further revision OF
the constitution would not accord with the
desirss Of the conHtsy He did not be-
lieye that universal suffrage would be
conducive to the maintenance Of free In
stitutions in Belgium.
The government was prepared to examine
hereafter arrangements calculated to I'M
prove the conditions OF the country, but II
would not agree to adopt universal suf-
frage. pure and simple. which. he claimed
the socialists alone desired. revision oI
the constitution, the premier further as
serted, would plunge the country into tur-
moll. and the government utterly declined
to be driven at the dictation Of the popu-
,laoe and under threats Of strike afnhatior
and violence.
Renewed socialist uproar. including
threats OF civil war and shouts of "You
have murdered one Of the people," fol-
lowed this announcement.
The premier, after remarking that he
declined TO notice such calumnies. said tbs
existence Of their national institutions wal
at stake, The government was responsible
for the honor and destiny Of the country
and was conscious OF it's duty. He then In
vited the chamber to reject the proposed
consideration of the proposal to revise tbs
constitution.
After a violent speech by M. Janson
.--sprogressist, who declared the governor wal
forcing the country over the brink Of civi
war. the premier said the government wal
willing for the sake Of peace to Withdraw
the closure proposal.
NJ. Van Der Velde agreed to this and th'
chamber unanimously fixed the hour fo
vote on the question OF revision Of the con
stitution at O'Clock tomorrow.